Residents and business operators at Mzimba Boma have commended the government for upgrading roads to bitumen standards to ease mobility challenges.
Last year in October, the government contracted Unik Construction Company to upgrade roads around Mzimba Boma to bitumen standards.
This followed concerns from residents that the poor roads were affecting mobility, especially during the rainy season.
A Taxi operator, Walinase Gondwe, said improved road conditions have reduced vehicle breakdowns and fuel consumption, enabling transport operators to make more trips and improve their earnings.
Gondwe said previously they used to spend a lot of money repairing vehicles because of potholes. Now we can make more trips in a day and our profits have improved.
Businessman Daniel Dokoya, who operates a welding and fabrication shop at the boma, said improved roads have enabled suppliers to deliver goods and services on time.
Another Mzimba boma resident, Edgar Mkandawire, welcomed the development, saying they were facing challenges in the past when going to and from school.
District Commissioner for Mzimba District Council Emmanuel Bulukutu said the roads, which cover 16 kilometres, have completely transformed the district’s outlook.
Bulukutu further said that the improved roads will help farmers to transport their produce to markets with ease and create more opportunities for communities to engage in economic activities.
Mzimba Perekezi legislator Fikani Ulunji Nyirenda of Alliance for Democracy also commended the government for investing in road infrastructure, saying the improved network was facilitating the movement of people and goods.
Nyirenda added that tarmac roads have transformed the appearance of Mzimba and demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving service delivery in the district.
By George Mkandawire
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