Malawi Exclusive Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Ben Phiri, on Friday launched K15 billion construction works for the Msokera Presidential Drive road and bridge in Area 47. Mervin Donga, (NBS), George Jaffu (MDF) Dr Ben Phiri , and others The road will link Area 47 Sector 3 to Area 25 and Area 49 and is expected to decongest Lilongwe City, where rapid settlement in the north has increased traffic pressure. Dr Phiri described the project as a critical economic intervention. “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. “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.” He said government will enforce strict quality controls and will not tolerate substandard works. Chief of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), General George Jaffu Junior, pledged completion within 12 months, within budget and to high engineering standards. He said MDF has a dual mandate to defend territorial integrity and to contribute to national development. “The Malawi Defence Force is not an institution apart from people. We are part of the people,” he said. General Jaffu said the Area 47 to Area 49 corridor is a vital artery linking communities to markets, schools, health facilities and emergency services, which has been almost impassable during the rainy season. He said the all-weather tarmac road will ease transport, unlock economic value, raise property values and reduce accidents. Under an MoU signed at Kamuzu Barracks, MDF Corps of Engineers will provide technical expertise, equipment and manpower, while Lilongwe City Council will coordinate implementation. The MoU commits K15.5 billion for Lilongwe City road repairs over two years, funded by the Roads Fund Administration, with Msokera as the flagship. He appealed for community cooperation and directed the contractor to employ local youth for casual labour. He thanked President Peter Mutharika as Commander-in-Chief for supporting MDF involvement in development. Roads Fund Administration Board Chair Alnord Mbwana said RFA has ring-fenced the K15.5 billion and will release funds only on 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,” said Mbwana. “This is not just a road, it is an economic corridor. We will ensure every kwacha is accounted for.” Also present were NBS Bank Head of Government Business and International Organisations Mervin Donga, Lilongwe City Mayor Councillor Peter Banda, Lilongwe City Council Chief Executive Officer Clement Stambuli and senior officials from the Ministry and Council. Post navigation Economist, Governance Expert Hails Quantel Consortium’s $50 Million Solar Investment