Traditional Authority (T/A) Nthalire of Chitipa District has bemoaned poor road network in his area.

In an interview yesterday, the chief said lack of good roads makes the area inaccessible during the rainy season.

“As a result, people’s socio-economic development is affected. For instance, one fails to get healthcare services from Chitipa District Hospital, 120 kilometres away during the rainy season as the roads become impassable,” he said.

The chief said a few weeks ago he spent two nights on the road after the vehicle he was travelling in got stuck in the mud. As a result, he failed to attend a development meeting at Chitipa Boma.

The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Livingstonia Synod’s Church and Society, who are implementing Action Against Poverty Project in the area, have asked the district council to consider the situation.

Church and Society programme manager Paul Mvula said their aim was to reduce poverty levels in the area by empowering the rural masses to demand quality public services, sanitation and hygiene from duty-bearers.