Upgrading of 34 kilometre Lumbadzi- Dowa – Chezi Road which was launched in 2008 remains uncompleted eight years later a development Member of Parliament for Dowa East, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has described as “very unfortunate”.
Former president Bingu wa Mutharika launched the upgrading to bitumen standard class1 for a 3-year contract but only 18.3 kilometres of the stretch has so far been completed.
In an interview on Thursday, Banda said that it was worrisome that despite numerous promises and commitment by the previous regimes including the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the exercise is becoming costly to the taxpayers due to unnecessary delays.
Surprisingly, no funds have also been allocated in the approved 2016/17 financial plan; a situation the MP says has left people of Dowa feeling duped.
But Minister of Transport Malisoni Ndau, has said feasibility study results of the road showed that the stretch will be done in two phases.
Ndau explained that the first phase to the Boma was completed and that the next phase to Chezi was put on hold because government is of the view that there is less traffic that side.
However Banda insists that the road is very important and should not be ignored.
“Budget for the completed section has doubled from the initial K3 billion to K6 billion due to accumulation of arrears and interests. On behalf of the people of Dowa, I would like to demand that the government fulfills its promise to the people of Dowa as this is not a privilege but a right,
“The completion of this road will not only improve accessibility and mobility to the district but will contribute towards economic development of the district and the country at large through easy transportation of agriculture products as well as tourism.”
Banda added that the eastern part of Dowa is being denied access to quality and timely health care due to poor condition of the road, as it takes a lot of time to reach the only district hospital.
According to the MP, the delays have been further compounded by a decision by government to instruct the contractor Cilcon to start upgrading of St Gabriel- Namitete road under the same contract.
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