Motorists facing daily traffic headaches in Lilongwe have been promised significant relief after government launched a K15 billion road and bridge project aimed at easing congestion in some of the capital’s fastest-growing suburbs.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Dr Ben Phiri on Friday officially launched construction of the Msokera Presidential Drive road and bridge, a flagship infrastructure project expected to transform travel between Area 47, Area 25 and Area 49.
The new route is designed to tackle chronic traffic congestion caused by rapid urban expansion on the northern edge of the city, where thousands of residents have settled in recent years.
Describing the project as a major economic boost, Dr Phiri said long commuting times were already harming productivity and business activity.
“This is an important road considering the congestion we have experienced. A lot of people have moved to Area 25 and Area 49 and have had challenges getting to town. This has affected the economy because others are late to open shops and others are late for work,” he said.
He added that the road would provide motorists with an alternative route, reducing dependence on the busy Saulos Chilima Highway.
“The coming in of this road is purely to decongest the city. One does not have to go all the way to the Saulos Chilima Highway. They can break off and connect to Crossroads,” said Phiri.
The minister also delivered a stern warning to contractors, insisting government would not tolerate shoddy workmanship on a project funded by taxpayers.
Meanwhile, Malawi Defence Force Commander General George Jaffu Junior pledged that the road would be completed within 12 months, on budget and to the highest engineering standards.
In a sign of the military’s growing role in national development projects, Jaffu stressed that the MDF’s responsibilities extend beyond national defence.
“The Malawi Defence Force is not an institution apart from people. We are part of the people,” he said.
He described the Area 47 to Area 49 corridor as a crucial link connecting residents to schools, markets, health facilities and emergency services, noting that sections of the route become almost impassable during the rainy season.
According to Jaffu, the all-weather tarmac road is expected to cut travel times, improve road safety, stimulate business activity and increase property values in surrounding neighbourhoods.
The works form part of a wider K15.5 billion agreement signed between Lilongwe City Council and the MDF Corps of Engineers, with the military providing technical expertise, machinery and manpower, while the council oversees implementation.
Roads Fund Administration Board Chairperson Alnord Mbwana said the funding had already been secured and would only be released against certified works.
“Our mandate is to mobilize, manage and account for funds. We believe in this partnership. MDF engineers deliver on time and do not compromise on quality,” he said.
“This is not just a road, it is an economic corridor. We will ensure every kwacha is accounted for.”
The ceremony was also attended by Lilongwe City Mayor Peter Banda, Lilongwe City Council Chief Executive Officer Clement Stambuli, NBS Bank Head of Government Business and International Organisations Mervin Donga, and other senior government officials.
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