By Staff Reporter

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has officially handed over a newly constructed bridge over the Shire River to the Roads Authority (RA), marking a major milestone in restoring connectivity between Neno and Blantyre.

The 67-metre bridge replaces a vital crossing that was washed away in 2019, a loss that left communities in Neno—particularly under Traditional Authority Mlauli—struggling with disrupted access to essential services and economic opportunities.

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Speaking during the handover ceremony, MDF Deputy Commandant at Joint Headquarters, Colonel Henderson Chilenga, expressed gratitude to the Roads Authority for placing trust in the military engineers. He emphasized that the project reflects MDF’s growing role in national development beyond its core security mandate.

“This bridge is not just infrastructure—it is a symbol of resilience and commitment to serving Malawians,” said Chilenga.

On his part, Roads Authority Regional Manager for the South, Engineer Chisomo Dan Kauma, applauded the MDF Engineers Battalion for delivering the project ahead of schedule. He noted that completing the bridge a month earlier than planned demonstrates both efficiency and professionalism.

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“We are impressed not only with the speed but also with the quality of work. This is a structure that will serve communities for years,” Kauma said.

Local authorities have also welcomed the development, highlighting its immediate social impact. Director of Education and Sports for Neno District, Foster Magombo, said the bridge will significantly ease access to schools and health facilities in Blantyre.

“For years, people here have faced serious challenges crossing the river. This bridge restores dignity and opportunity—especially for students and patients who rely on services in Blantyre,” Magombo explained.

The completion of the bridge is expected to boost mobility, trade, and service delivery between the two districts, offering a long-awaited solution to communities that have endured isolation since the previous structure was destroyed.

With the handover now complete, the Roads Authority assumes full responsibility for the bridge, ensuring its maintenance and long-term sustainability as a critical transport link in the Southern Region.