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By Fostina Mkandawire
Chingeni road tollgate under construction in Ntcheu district is expected to be raising K4.5 billion annually when completed.
In an interview with Newsmen in Ntcheu, Chair for Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Corporations and State Enterprises, Isaac Kaneka attested to the importance of the tollgate to the development of the country.
He said after visiting the site, the committee was satisfied with the progress of the construction work at the site, taking into consideration the fact that Covid-19 slowed the progress of the construction.
Kaneka said the project would benefit Malawians because the money that would be collected at the site would be used for road maintenance across the country.
The Project which commenced in July 2020 was expected to be completed in December 2020, but due to Covid-19 it will be completed in March 2021.
He said the committee would continue monitoring the project even after completion to ensure that there is accountability and transparency of funds realized from the project.
The K 2 billion tollgate has been facilitated by government through the Roads Authority and the Roads Fund Administration.
Chief Executive officer for the Roads Fund Stewart Malata said the road would serve as an additional source of funding to compliment the current two sources of Roads fund income and would increase the Roads fund revenues.
Malata said improved road condition was a key tool to accelerate the country’s economic growth as it improves transportation of agricultural produce, improves trade and increases access to social amenities.
He made mention of Covid-19, delaying the project in terms of importation of construction materials, due to travel restrictions world over.
The Chingeni toll plaza is located in Ntcheu District, about 0.5 km just before the Zomba turn-off at Chingeni along the M1 road.
