People of Traditional Authority (T/A) Dambe in Neno District have expressed concern over bad conditions of roads that connect the area to the boma. Community member Dalitso Sailesi said for years, they have struggled to access health facilities, markets, schools and other essential services due to poor roads, especially during the rainy seasons. He said in an interview on Tuesday that road conditions continue to worsen during the rainy season in areas such as Mbizi in Chimbalanga Village.
Said Sailesi: “The road has become impassable for big vehicles that transport Irish potatoes to Blantyre because it has been eroded. “In addition, ambulances are unable to reach the area and we are forced to transport patients on motorcycles.” T/A Dambe said he presented the issue to the district council as well as Neno North legislator Thoko Tembo (Democratic Progressive Party). The chief said the road’s condition is posing a risk to motorists.
“The area is well-known for producing Irish potatoes, maize and other crops. However, people are facing challenges to transport them to reliable markets,” said Dambe. He also said people travel long distances to access farm inputs and relief food because vehicles carrying such things are not able to deliver them to the area.
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Neno District Council chairperson Joseph Chiphaliwali said the council was aware of the poor roads in Neno North. He said the council recently instructed the district public works office to conduct inspections. “This is not new, some of the places need culverts.
We will keep engaging the public works office for maintenance,” said Chiphaliwali. On his part, Tembo, who is also Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, said he was aware of the situation in the area. He said he has already engaged authorities seeking assistance on rehabilitation of the road.
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