Chakwera not satisfied with Ilomba road progress

By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

The snail-paced progress on the construction of long awaited Chitipa-Ilomba road has dissatisfied President Lazarus Chakwera who had a tour of the project on Tuesday, 12th March 2024.

Describing his tour in Chitipa district as of mixed reality, President Chakwera said the delay in constructing the road that connects Malawi to Tanzania is of great concern.

“I came here to inspect some of the government projects like this stadium, irrigation schemes, which are progressing well, and some disappointing like the road construction project.

I know many people are not happy with the road construction progress, equally the government, and I have given the contractor a window to continue with the contract, but I will come again to inspect that what the contractor has recommitted today is being done on this road project” Said President Chakwera.

However, President Chakwera was quick to admit that the government has partly contributed to the delay, but promised people of Chitipa that the road will be constructed according to the international specifications on its standards as it was designed.

He added; “But let me assure you chiefs that what we have agreed on this road with the contractor will be done”

On the construction of the stadium, Chakwera said once finished it will address the venue challenge currently being faced by Chitipa United.

The President has since urged Malawians to desist from politicizing developments, saying it has delayed a lot of developments which could have been completed long ago.

In his remarks, Senior Chief Mwaulambya for fulfilling his promises in starting the Chitipa-Ilomba road construction and the Chitipa Stadium, saying the two are the flagship projects for his area.

“President Chakwera speaks and does what he promises. What impresses me is that you have been able to come, supervise, and check on the construction of the road that you directed” Mwaulambya commended the President.

Later in the day, President Lazarus Chakwera inspected the construction of 110 houses at Meru Battalion in Chitipa district.