By Robert Kumwenda

Governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) parliamentarian for Blantyre City South Noel Lipipa has dismissed claims by Mosses Magaleta that he is not assisting people of the area in terms of development.

Magaleta who calls himself as a concerned citizen for Naotcha ward accused Lipipa and United Transformation Movement (UTM) councilor Thoko Phekani for doing nothing following the heavy rains and strong winds that damaged bridges in the area.

Lipipa said reconstruction of the bridges that were damaged is in progress and is expected to be completed within thirty days.

“Soon after the incident occurred l visited the area with officials from the City Assembly and National Roads Authority, we met chiefs and people of the area to see what we can do and immediately tender was released in the Newspapers and a contractor was identified within three days since it was an emergency,” he said.

He said each bridge at Somanje and Bethel  requires K75million kwacha whereas  Kabila bridge requires K90 million kwacha there is no way one can expect this to  be done overnight.

Lipipa has since asked Magaleta to stand as a MP for the area in the year 2024 if he sees that he is doing nothing for the people of the constituency to solve their problems.

Concurring with Lipipa Faith Chisale a resident of Chilombwe has also quashed Magaletas claim saying that Lipipa is doing commendable work for people of the area as compared to previous legislators.

She said people are happy and satisfied with a number of development projects that Lipipa has done so far and they want him to continue.

A visit to the area has also revealed that the reconstruction of the bridges is really in progress and some of the people that were interviewed also said that they are satisfied with how the work is going.