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The Malawi Government has announced progress in restoring traffic on sections of the M001 road affected by flooding, while assessment of damage on the M005 road remains ongoing.
In a statement issued from Capital Hill in Lilongwe, the Chief Secretary to the Government, Justin Adack K. Saidi, said the Nkhamenya section of the M001 road is now passable. He added that vehicles weighing up to 5 tonnes can also cross the Mpasadzi crossing toward either Mzuzu or Lilongwe.
According to Saidi, an alternative route has been identified for vehicles carrying loads of up to 30 tonnes, and plans are underway to fully reinstate the Mpasadzi crossing point within the next 24 hours.
“Earlier this morning, by the Roads Authority regarding the wash-aways of M001 and M005 Roads, the Government wishes to inform the general public that there is tremendous progress on the M001 Road,” Saidi said.
“The current situation is that Nkhamenya is passable, and as for Mpasadzi, vehicles up to 5 tonnes are now able to pass through the place to either Mzuzu or Lilongwe.
“Meanwhile, an alternative route has been identified for vehicles of up to 30-tonne loading. Plans are underway to reinstate the Mpasadzi crossing point within 24 hours.”
However, Saidi said the situation on the M005 road remains unclear due to continued flooding, noting that a detailed assessment will be conducted once water levels recede.
“As for the M005 Road, the flooding situation is still hazy. It is hoped that a thorough assessment will be made in due course when the water level drops. There are two contractors, CR20 and China Civil, who are carrying out remedial works on the Road.”
President Peter Mutharika has directed the Ministry of Transport and Public Works and the Roads Authority to immediately inspect all bridges on major roads to ensure their safety as heavy rains persist, he added.
Saidi reassured the public of the government’s commitment to maintaining safe and reliable road networks and said damaged bridges would be restored immediately to minimise travel disruptions and economic losses.
“The general public is hereby informed that the Government is committed to ensuring that the roads of Malawi are safe for travel without disruptions,” he added.
“The government will ensure that relevant entities will always fast-track the restoration of damaged bridges to minimise economic disruptions.”
