Impassable Makanjira road worsen lives of residents

Makanjira residents in Mangochi have no choice but to part with a thousand kwacha more for a one kilogramme packet of sugar in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy that has rendered the area effectively impassable.

The devastating storm three weeks ago destroyed roads and bridges in the area – a situation that has compelled traders there to start selling the basic commodity at 2,500 kwacha per kilogramme.

Presenting the concern in Parliament on Tuesday, Mangochi North MP, Benedicto Chambo, asked the authorities to swiftly fix the mobility hurdles so that his people are not denied access to various services.

“With the heavy rains that we have experienced, seven big bridges were washed away on the road from Mangochi to Makanjira.

This has made life very tough and expensive. You can imagine a packet of sugar is going at K2, 500 which is dubious to the current economic situation. I want to know what is being done to assist people in the area.” He said.

Responding to the concern, Transport Minister Jacob Hara highlighted several approaches including working with the Malawi Defence Force to put up temporary interventions in the soonest time possible.

“The government is doing all it can to make sure that we reinstate the passability of the Makanjira road. We will provide temporary diversions from the main bridges so that the vehicles can pass through the rivers.” Hara promised.