K83 Billion Mzimba Road Project Suspended
By Malawi Freedom Network
Construction of the K83 billion Eswazini-Mzalangwe-Kafukule Road in Mzimba has been suspended after the government failed to release outstanding payments owed to contractor China Railway 20.
The suspension has raised concerns among local leaders and residents who have been eagerly awaiting the completion of the strategic road project.MCP Warns Mzimba Central MP: Think Twice Before Leaving “God-Chosen Party”
Inkosi Kampingo Sibande has criticized the delay, warning that the stoppage will not only affect the project’s completion timeline but will also increase the overall cost of implementation.
Speaking to Zodiak Online on Monday, the traditional leader said the suspension is a setback to development efforts in the area and called on authorities to urgently resolve the funding challenges.
China Railway 20 Chief Projects Coordinator Patrick Chikowi confirmed the suspension, admitting that the project has faced implementation challenges and other factors beyond the contractor’s control, which have slowed progress.
Chikowi said despite the challenges, the company remains committed to the project and is ready to resume construction once all contractual obligations are fulfilled.
“We remain committed to completing the project and will resume work once the outstanding issues are addressed,” he said.DPP Welcomes Two Aspiring Candidates for Rumphi Central By-Election
Meanwhile, Roads Fund Administration Public Relations Officer Masauko Ngwaluko acknowledged that the contractor is owed money and said efforts are being made to process the outstanding payments.
Ngwaluko expressed optimism that the financial issues will be resolved soon, allowing construction works to resume.
The Eswazini-Mzalangwe-Kafukule Road project is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and enhance access to social and economic services in Mzimba and surrounding areas once completed.DPP Welcomes Two Aspiring Candidates for Rumphi Central By-Election
The suspension comes at a time when concerns are growing over delays affecting several public infrastructure projects due to funding constraints.
