Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Phiri on Sunday laid a foundational stone for the construction of the long awaited Chipeloni-Khonjeni road in Thyolo district.
The road which connects Khonjeni railway station found in the remotest area of Traditional Authority Kapichi to Thyolo Boma is being constructed to the tune of K917 million under the Agriculture Sector Wide Approach Project.
Speaking to journalist on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Phiri who is also the incumbent Member of Parliament for the area, stated that the new tarmac road will help to ease trade and enhance access to social services.
“During rainy season, People face difficulties to reach referral hospital at the boma. Many people have lost lives and pregnant mother’s delivering on their way. This project will surely make the much needed difference.
“Besides, people around Khonjeni are farmers and it will be easier for them to transport their farm produce to Thyolo Boma and Luchenza where they can sale at a higher profit,” he said.
National Roads Authority Board Chairperson, Brown Mpinganjira, stressed that quality road network is always the gateway to the development of an area and its people.
Through its Director, Huo Wei, contractor for the project, Chinese Railway 20 Bureau, has pledged to come up with a standard and durable road within the projected timeframe.
The six kilometer road is expected to be completed in April next year.
