Minister of Transport and Public Works Francis Kasaila disclosed this in an interview with MBC.
The road will serve as a shorter route from Blantyre to Nsanje. Kasaila said procurement process for the 82 kilometre Thyolo-Makwasa-Muona Road is at an advanced stage and following the identification of a contractor, very soon construction works will start.
''We have finally completed the procurement process for the continuation of Thyolo-Makwasa-Muona Road. So far we have sent our reports to our donors for a no objection and we are sure that very shortly within this month [February] we shall have the no objection. Our hope is that soon after the rainy season the contractor will start the actual works on the ground," said Kasaila.
The Thyolo-Makwasa-Muona Road connects Thyolo and other Southern region districts such as Blantyre, Chikwawa and Nsanje. The road has several economic benefits to the country.
"This is an important road project; firstly the area has some tea estates and we have a very big hospital that is accessed by people from Blantyre, and some districts in the Southern region. It is also an area which grows a lot of bananas and other crops. We, therefore, believe that the Shire Valley benefits as well more especially the East bank which a very rich agricultural area where a lot is grown such as beans, maize and sweat potatoes; all that will find its way to Blantyre and the surrounding district," explained Kasaila.
The Minister, however, said the name of the successful contractor will be made public in the very shortest time.
Parliamentarian for Thyolo Thava Mary Navitcha says people who live along Thyolo-Makwasa-Muona Road have all smiles as they will now have their dream realized to boost their agricultural produce and easily find a market.
Construction works will include upgrading of the 82 km existing narrow earth road to a bituminous surfaced road with side-drains, stone pitching, gabions, road signs, road markings etc.
Apart from the economic value, the new road will add beauty to the countryside.
