Information reaching this publication indicates that residents of Mbenje Village in Nsanje District have staged protests by burning tires at the Nyankotola Bridge, expressing frustration over its construction. They claim the bridge was built in a way that directs water into their villages, causing severe flooding and destruction. The villagers are demanding that the bridge be demolished and replaced with a canal to properly manage water flow.

The dispute has escalated tensions between the community and China Railway 20 (CR 20), the company constructing a section of the railway from Marka to Bangula. Residents accuse the company of building the bridge in a way that protects certain areas while exposing their homes to floodwaters.

Chief Ngabu confirmed ongoing conflicts between his people and CR 20, stating that negotiations have failed to yield solutions. He suggested that the company should instead dredge the river and construct a dam to prevent flooding, particularly around Mbenje Hospital, Mchere Primary School, and nearby villages.

So far, neither government officials nor CR 20 representatives have commented on the matter.