Reliable road infrastructure is a cornerstone of economic growth and social development, providing communities with improved access to markets, healthcare, education, and other essential services while facilitating trade, investment, and regional connectivity.
Recognising the critical role of transport infrastructure in driving development, Members of Parliament from Mzimba District have pledged their support for the rehabilitation of the Mzimba Town-Edingeni Road, which has remained in a deteriorated condition for the past 11 years without undergoing any major maintenance.
The commitment was made on Tuesday during the official launch of the rehabilitation works, which are being undertaken using a grader recently hired by M’mbelwa District Council.
Speaking at the event, Member of Parliament for Mzimba South West Constituency and former Vice President Khumbo Kachali said all 13 Members of Parliament from Mzimba District had agreed to contribute resources towards the project, complementing the efforts already initiated by the district council.
Kachali described the road as a vital transport corridor serving five Traditional Authorities, saying its rehabilitation would significantly improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and accelerate socio-economic development across the district.
“This road serves five Traditional Authorities, and we believe its rehabilitation is an important step towards fulfilling our collective commitment to work with our communities in advancing development,” he said.
M’mbelwa District Council District Commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu welcomed the Members of Parliament’s commitment, noting that the council could not undertake the rehabilitation project alone because of the substantial financial and logistical resources required.
Bulukutu also appealed to traditional leaders from the affected areas to actively support the exercise, stressing that their involvement would help reduce operational costs by eliminating the need to transport the grader back to the council offices at the end of each working day.
The rehabilitation of the Mzimba Town-Edingeni Road is expected to improve transportation, enhance access to essential public services, and stimulate economic activities for thousands of people living along the route, thereby contributing significantly to the district’s broader socio-economic development.
