The Civil Society Organisation Network (CSOs) in Zomba is calling for the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate Zomba City Council and Constructor over alleged corruption surrounding the construction of the Likangala bridge near Mpondabwino.
The bridge, constructed in 2021, was damaged after only two years, sparking concerns about the contract award process.
Speaking during a press briefing in Zomba, CSOs Network Chairperson Nicholas Mwisama cited a report from the Malawi Engineering Institution (MEI) that the materials used were inappropriate, indicating a lack of seriousness and potential corruption.
Mwisama said that the CSO’s call upon the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) to make use of the findings by Malawi Engineers and intervene to discipline the contractor known as Shimmering Towers Construction and Jatula Consulting Engineers Ltd, who delivered this heartbreaking substandard bridge, leading to the loss of millions of public funds.
He therefore calls upon the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and law enforcers to investigate possible theft and corruption involving the contractor, the consulting engineers, and Zomba City Council officials.
“People in Zomba are very angry with how the Zomba City Council and the contractor did by constructing a poor bridge, which was damaged two years ago, and squandered funds meant for the same,” he said.
During the press briefing, the CSOs also expressed disappointment over deforestation on Zomba Mountain, urging President Lazarus Chakwera, as Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), to exercise his powers by immediately issuing an order for the MDF to establish permanent camps on Zomba Mountain to protect the forest.
Village Headman Kazembe concurred with the Civil Society Organisations Network, stating that those involved in the poor construction of the bridge should be held accountable, as it has caused mobility challenges for nearby communities.
