People of Likoma and Chizumulu Islands can now breathe a sigh of relief following the official launching for the construction of Likoma Jetty graced by the Minister of Transport and Public works at the foot of Mbuzi hill which is expected to bring new economic activities and liberation to transport logistics in the district.
The Minister of Transport and Public works Jappie Mhango who is also the Treasure General or the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said the four year project which will cost the government about MK10 billion to be completed, is expected to accumulate billions worth of revenue for the nation.
Speaking in an interview amid the ground breaking ceremony today Wednesday 27th March, 2019 at Mbuzi in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Mkumpha 3, Mhango refuted the claims that the project has been initiated on political grounds saying it is out of the goodwill for DPP led government in developing the nation.
He said: “This is not just a rhetoric move, our president is a development oriented person giving Malawians the advancement they need and it has nothing to do with politics.”
The Minister of Transport also made the revelation that Motor Engil Construction company has been hired to preside over the state of the art development initiative following a formal criteria needed for securing contractors.
“The bidding process was made transparent and there is no monopoly. We looked at the capacity and competence of the contractor among other invited bids and picked Motor Engil construction company for the impression we got from them,” Mhango explained.
On his part, the acting director for the marine department Captain John Mhango said the project is determined to possess a lifespan of more than 50 years despite some challenges of water levels influenced by climatic changes.
“This project is basically a port and we are going to consider all the factors in terms of climate change. Hence, we are looking for a structure that is going to be durable for many years to come.”
Expressing his gratitude on behalf of the Islanders, the District Commissioner (DC) for Likoma Peter Jimusole said he was very excited to witness the tangible step taken towards the fulfilment of the long awaited development project.
“This initiative has come at the very right time people are excited, the T/A and the subjects are happy because this is what they have been expecting. The problems we face when trying to embark or disembarking from the Ship will finally be checked when the project will be finalized,” said Jimusole.
Meanwhile, Motor Engil has since deployed some working machinery on the construction site such as excavators and others and the actual work is expected to commence any day from now to mark the beginning of the project.
