COMMUNITIES IN CHIKWAWA PLAN DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST POORLY CONSTRUCTED MIKALANGO BRIDGE

Residents in Chikwawa District have issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to organize demonstrations if they are not granted permission to carry out repairs on the poorly constructed Mikalango Bridge at Miseufolo Trading Centre, which was built five months ago by Mkaka Construction Company. The bridge was constructed as part of the recovery efforts following the damage caused by Cyclone Anna, but its design has raised significant concerns among the local community.

According to the business community from the area of Senior Chief Ngabu, the bridge is a hazard rather than a solution. The structure, which was supposed to serve as a vital link, has instead become a trap. The bridge is poorly constructed, with timber placed on top of it, causing frequent tyre deflations for vehicles crossing it. The timber has sharp nails protruding, damaging tyres and posing serious risks to motorists. As a result, many drivers have been forced to abandon using the bridge, opting instead to cross the river, which becomes perilous during the rainy season.

James Banda, a local businessperson in Ngabu Trading Centre, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the community had no choice but to organize demonstrations if their plea for maintenance work is ignored. “Every time we try to use the bridge, our vehicle tyres get deflated. It’s not safe for business and for the community at large. If the government does not act soon, we will have no other option but to demonstrate,” Banda said.

Senior Chief Ngabu, whose subjects have raised concerns, confirmed that the community had petitioned the National Roads Authority (NRA) through the District Commissioner’s office for permission to rehabilitate the bridge. He revealed that even he had personally suffered from a tyre deflation incident while crossing the bridge.

Chikwawa District Commissioner Nardin Kamba also acknowledged the issue, confirming that his office had received a request letter from local businesspeople to rehabilitate the bridge. Kamba further explained that the letter was forwarded to the National Roads Authority for approval, but the request was turned down. According to the NRA, they will address the issue themselves and do what is necessary.

Portia Kajanga, the spokesperson for the National Roads Authority, has requested more time to comment on the ongoing situation, as the authority continues to evaluate the matter.

The deteriorating condition of the Mikalango Bridge has caused mounting frustration among the people of Chikwawa, and the threat of demonstrations underscores the growing urgency for immediate action. The community is now calling for a swift response from both the National Roads Authority and the government to ensure that the bridge is safely rehabilitated and made accessible for all who rely on it.