President Professor Peter Mutharika says a good road network is vital for the socio-economic development of the country.

The President was speaking at Kabudula Trading Centre when he presided over the ground –breaking ceremony of the Lilongwe Old Airport-Kasiya-Santhe Road.

Professor Mutharika said the construction of the road will ease challenges farmers are facing when transporting their produce to markets. The President also said the new road will open up businesses in the area.

Mutharika therefore urged the people to desist from stealing project materials including fuel for the construction of the road to finish on time. 

“My appeal is that you should cooperate with the contractor during construction of the road and to take ownership of the road project. Your cooperation and ownership of the project should manifest itself in safeguarding construction materials on the project.

 We have heard of cases of theft of construction materials such as fuel and cement on a number of road construction projects and we do not want that to happen here. It is sad that the very same people who are supposed to benefit from use of the road are the ones in the forefront stealing from the contractor.” said Mutharika.

Mutharika also appealed to the Contractors and the Consultant that the road project will be constructed to the specified standards.