K6.7 billion for city roads

By DEBORAH NYANGULU-CHIPOFYA

Roads Authority (RA) has set aside K6.7 billion for the rehabilitation and resealing of roads in the cities of Lilongwe, Blantyre and Zomba.

Briefing the press in Lilongwe Wednesday, RA Chief Executive Officer Paul Kulemeka said the funds would be realised from the fuel levy.

“The rehabilitation works will include re-cycling of the existing base, shoulder reconditioning, repair and lining of road side drains, road markings and installation of traffic lights,” Kulemeka said.

He said in an interview that the K6.7 billion budget was a projection of money to be realised from the fuel levy between February this year and September next year when the road works are expected to be completed.

Kulemeka said the rehabilitation works are expected to last 15 months from June 15 this year to September 15 next year and would cover 128km of road.

He said several contractors had been engaged for the works.

In Lilongwe, Kulemeka said, the works will be done by three contractors, Mota Engil, Cilcon/SR Nicholas JV and Master Construction.

Bua Consulting Engineers have been contracted to supervise the works in Lilongwe.

The works in Zomba will be done by Mkaka Construction and Fargo Limited with EMC Jatula Associates supervising the works.

Mota Engil, Fargo Limited and Cilcon/SR Nicholas JV will also handle the work in Blantyre with Mphizi Consulting Engineers supervising them.

The road maintenance will not be restricted to town roads in the cities but will even go in the residential areas, according to Kulemeka.