Makanjira residents demand action on delayed road project
What you get along Makanjila-Mangochi Road
By Alick Majid
In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday, Chakwera reassured Malawians that the government has obtained financial backing for the 96-kilometer road.
“We have secured funding for the 96km Mangochi-Makanjira road,” he said.
However, residents like Hassam Ahmed from Mpiripiri Village say they have heard such promises before, yet little progress has been made.
“Our area feels like an island. The roads are impassable, and the bridges are washed away every rainy season. We have been waiting for years, and nothing has changed,” Ahmed lamented.
Aisha Yusuf from Traditional Authority Lulanga echoed similar concerns, emphasizing locals’ difficulties when traveling to other parts of Mangochi.
“During the rainy season, vehicles cannot pass. Many of us are forced to use boats to reach Mangochi Boma or even Salima. It’s as if we are not part of Malawi,” she said.
Shaffie James from Lungwena believes the road delay is stalling development in the area.
“We have businesses here, but transporting goods is a nightmare. If the government is serious about improving rural livelihoods, this road should have been completed long ago,” he said.
President Chakwera previously announced in November 2023 that a US$20 million funding package had been secured from the Saudi Fund for Development to construct the 100-kilometer road.
At the time, he highlighted the road’s significance in linking Makanjira to other trading centers and economic hubs.
“This road will increase economic activity and connect communities to major markets and public facilities in the entire Eastern Region, including rural trading centers.
“It is time to connect Malindi, Lungwena, Namalaka, Lugola, Bakili-Binali, Litufu, Likoloma, Mauni, Mpiripiri, Lulanga, and Fort Maguire to the rest of the national road network,” he said.
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