Malawi launches construction of US $6.4m Blantyre Bypass

Malawi President Peter Mutharika has officially launched the construction of US $6.4m Blantyre bypass ring road that will go through several locations. President Mutharika also expressed optimism that the 186-km road will be finalised in three to four years.The Blantyre bypass ring road is expected to facilitate easy and fast mobility of goods and services as one of the key factors at the centre of promoting the country’s economic growth.

“It is my expectation that the by-pass road will minimise traffic congestion in the roads of Blantyre City. It will also enhance movement of goods and people,” Mutharika said after the ground-breaking ceremony of the road.Construction works for the road will be undertaken in phases and the first phase will start from Chigumula to Mpemba. However, Mutharika said from Misesa-Chigumula, construction works will be completed within a year with the rest of the stretches taking three to four years.

Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango called for stakeholders to assist the government in the transport sector in ensuring that the final product should be of high and quality standard. “It is our responsibility to monitor and supervise the construction works of the road to ensure that the contractor adheres to the set standards,” Mhango said.The by-pass road is said to be the first of its kind in Malawi and is expected to have a life span of 100 years.