𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐨-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝟗 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖

MANGOCHI..

The Government of Malawi, through the Regional Climate Resilience Program (RCRP-2), has officially broken ground on the construction of nine climate-resilient bridges along the Chingo-Makanjira Road in Mangochi District.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held at Makumba Primary School grounds in Traditional Authority Chowe’s area and presided over by the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Honourable Jappie Mhango, M.P.
Speaking at the event, Minister Mhango assured communities of quality workmanship and timely delivery of the project.
“We expect works that will meet the required engineering standards and deliver value for money,” he said.
“These are transformative infrastructure projects that are strengthening connectivity, while creating opportunities for economic development,” he added.
The Minister also called on citizens, business operators and road users to take ownership of the infrastructure.
“Let us protect road signs, bridges, guardrails, drainage systems, street lights and other road infrastructure from vandalism and theft. Let us avoid encroachment into the road reserve and maintain proper drainage around the road. Development is a shared responsibility,” he said
Minister Mhango extended gratitude to the World Bank, the development partner for the program, for its continued partnership with the Government of Malawi.
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure for All-Year Access
According to the Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Joel Longwe, the contractor, Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Group [AFEC], is already on site. Construction is expected to take 24 months, with completion targeted for July 2028.
“This is more than bridges. It’s about linking people to markets, hospitals, schools and many other essential services all year-round,” said Eng. Longwe.
“That is why we will build hydraulically adequate, climate-resilient structures to withstand extreme weather and, in the process, create meaningful jobs for local communities,” he added.
The nine bridges to be constructed are: Lusalumwe and Nkuli in Mangochi North East Constituency; and Kalanje, Lungwena, Mbwazi, Lutende, Lilembwe, Unga and Lugola in Mangochi Lutende Constituency. The bridges will be of varying spans and will include wider approach roads.
Ending Seasonal Isolation on S129
Officially designated as S129, the Chingo-Makanjira Road is a critical transport corridor. During the rainy season, communities are often cut off for hours or days due to flooded rivers and damaged crossings.
Through RCRP-2, these new bridges will: improve year-round access to markets, health centres, and schools; reduce travel time and transport costs for communities and traders; enhance the climate resilience of road infrastructure in flood-prone areas; and create jobs for local communities during construction.
RCRP-2 continues to support the Government of Malawi’s commitment to building resilient infrastructure that protects lives, livelihoods, and unlocks economic opportunities.

RCRP Communications: