By Suleman Chitera
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering durable, high-quality urban infrastructure, calling for the construction and maintenance of standard roads supported by efficient drainage systems to enhance longevity and safety in cities.
Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chimwemwe Chipungu, made the remarks on Friday during the official handover of the Kanjeza access roads to Blantyre City Council.
Chipungu emphasized that quality road infrastructure is essential for urban development and economic activity, noting that well-designed and properly maintained drainage systems play a critical role in protecting roads from premature damage. He expressed concern over the emergence of potholes in some sections and attributed drainage challenges largely to improper waste disposal by residents.
He urged communities to take shared responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure, stressing that road durability depends not only on construction standards but also on responsible public behavior.
Blantyre City Mayor, Jomo Osman, welcomed the handover, describing it as a positive step toward improved urban road management.
“We want all roads in the city to be under the council so that we can effectively maintain them and closely monitor the quality of works being undertaken,” Osman said.
Meanwhile, Harry Makina, an engineer with Pamodzi Consulting Limited, assured stakeholders that the Kanjeza access roads meet required engineering standards. He confirmed that the contractor will address the identified areas of concern by the end of the month.
Makina further disclosed that the Kanjeza Forest road network spans 16.2 kilometres and was constructed at a total cost of K6.2 billion, underscoring the scale of investment the government has made in improving urban connectivity.
The handover marks a significant milestone in Blantyre’s urban infrastructure development and reflects the government’s broader agenda to promote sustainable, high-quality road networks that support growth, mobility, and improved living standards.
