The African Development Bank (ADB) says is injecting about $ 158 million, an equivalent of K60 billion to boost Malawi’s transport sector.

The money is earmarked for construction of four road projects in the country which include: the much awaited Lilongwe City West Bypass scheduled to be completed next month, Blantyre-Zomba, Liwonde-Machinga, and Mzuzu-Nkhatabay.

The Bank’s country Resident Dr Andrew Mwaba said after inspecting the Lilongwe City West Bypass road on Monday that he was satisfied with progress registered this far.

Dr Mwaba indicated that the Tunis-based bank is committed to ensure that the four road projects which include Blantyre-Zomba, Liwonde-Machinga, and Mzuzu-Nkhatabay roads be completed as projected.

Dr Mwaba then said he is impressed with the progress of the Bypass road and Blantyre Zomba road which he also visited recently.

“The Zomba Blantyre road is almost completed. We projected to complete the work last year, but due to other challenges, we expect to complete the project this year.

“The Lilongwe city west Bypass road project is part of the greater Nacala Corridor project,” he said.
Site Manager under Motal Engil, contractor for the Bypass road, Mr Kondwani Ng’oma expressed optimistic that the road will be ready for use next month.

“The main challenge was substantial rains which delayed our progress, but as of now everything is fine, of course like in Lilongwe acquisition of materials is a challenge but that has been addressed.

“There has been a one month period extension, and currently most earthwork has been completed”, said Ng’oma.
The Lilongwe city west Bypass project forms part of the Multinational Nacala Corridor connecting Lusaka to Nacala Port, and upon completion it will facilitate easy flow of traffic within Lilongwe town, and improve developmental activities along the road corridor.