After years of facing the daunting challenge of crossing Chithumba River, a place that is wet throughout the year, a new bridge has offered communities a new lease of life.
The river stood as a barrier between the communities and essential services that are available at nearby Ludzi.
Steven Charles, a resident of Chithumba, said the difficulties they faced on the stream forced them to travel long distance.
“Before the bridge, crossing the river was a struggle. We had to wade through the water, which was dangerous, especially during the rainy season but now with the bridge, we can easily reach church, schools, the hospital, the market, and the maize mill in Ludzi,” said Charles.
Councillor for Mkoma Ward where the bridge is, Martha Dzanja, said the people suffered a lot.
“The bridge is very important as it has connected the villages to some amenities. Ludzi is strategic as it provides essential services to the people, but also those from Ludzi have farming fields across the bridge,” said Dzanja.
The crucial infrastructure was made possible through the efforts of the Mchinji District Council and the support of the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) initiative, a World Bank-funded programme.
Ellis Tembo, the Director of Public Works, said the council has worked hard to ensure most of the projects are finalised.
The bridge cost K30,000,000.
By Vincent Khonje MANA
