The Roads Authority (RA) has moved to address growing transport and safety concerns in Mzimba District by engaging UNIK Construction Company to undertake repair works on the damaged Chimkusa Bridge, a critical link for residents accessing essential services at Mzimba Boma.
Chimkusa Bridge suffered extensive damage following torrential rains that pounded parts of Mzimba on Monday night, leaving the structure unsafe for both motorists and pedestrians.
The damage has disrupted mobility for communities that depend on the crossing to access government offices, markets, schools, and health facilities.
Responding to Malawi24’s questionnaire on Tuesday, Roads Authority Public Relations Officer Alice Kaunda reassured the public that the authority has already initiated steps to restore the bridge. She stated that UNIK Construction Company has been tasked with assessing the extent of the damage and mobilising the necessary resources before full-scale repair works commence.
“People should not despair. We have engaged Unik Construction Company, and the contractor is expected to carry out a detailed assessment of the damage. Once this process is completed, they will move in with equipment and materials for the remedial works,” said Kaunda.
As part of interim traffic management measures, Kaunda announced that road users have been redirected to an alternative route to minimise inconvenience and reduce the risk of accidents.
“Traffic has been redirected to the Kavukula–Chanthomba route via Mzimba Prison. This will serve as a temporary solution for both pedestrians and motorists while repair works are being arranged,” she explained.
Kaunda outlined the scope of the planned remedial works, noting that technical interventions will focus on restoring structural stability and preventing further deterioration.
“The works will include backfilling the damaged bridge approaches and compacting in layers over rock fill. This process is crucial for securing and stabilising the structure to ensure it can safely support traffic once reopened,” she said.
However, the Road Authority could not immediately provide a completion timeline for the project. Kaunda indicated that the duration of the repairs will depend on the findings of the contractor’s assessment.
In a separate interview, District Commissioner for M’mbelwa District Council Emmanuel Bulukutu emphasised the seriousness of the damage and the potential risks posed by the compromised crossing.
Following a site visit conducted alongside officials from UNIK Construction Company, Bulukutu said decisive safety measures have been implemented.
“Part of the road and bridge section has been damaged to the extent that it no longer allows safe passage. Nobody should attempt to use the bridge under the current conditions,” Bulukutu warned.
He added that the contractor has been directed to cordon off the affected area to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
“We have instructed Unik Construction Company to restrict access by cordoning off the site. This is necessary to protect both pedestrians and motorists, as attempting to cross the damaged section would be extremely risky,” he said.
Bulukutu further urged residents to comply with the temporary traffic arrangements and make use of designated alternative routes when travelling to Mzimba Boma.
Local residents have expressed mixed reactions to the development, balancing relief at the commencement of repair plans with concerns over the immediate challenges posed by the bridge closure.
Gift Yangayiro, a resident of Chimkusa, described the engagement of a contractor as a welcome step but noted that the alternative route has imposed additional burdens on commuters.
“The alternative route is longer and very exhausting, especially for those who travel on foot or rely on bicycles. While we appreciate the response by the Roads Authority, we hope the works will be expedited to ease the difficulties people are facing,” he said.
Chimkusa Bridge is regarded as a vital transport artery within the district, and its temporary closure has underscored the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events, which have become increasingly frequent in recent years.
The Roads Authority has assured the public that restoring the bridge and normal traffic flow remains a priority, with efforts underway to ensure repairs are completed as swiftly and safely as possible.
