Zomba City South MP questions K1b Likangala Bridge rehabilitation cost

Zomba City South Member of Parliament James Mpunga has rejected a proposed K1 billion budget for the rehabilitation of the damaged Likangala River Bridge at Mpondabwino, arguing that the amount is unjustifiable given that the entire bridge was constructed for about K300 million in 2021.

Speaking during a political rally in Sadzi, Zomba City, Mpunga said the proposed rehabilitation cost exceeds the amount that was used to construct the entire bridge in 2021, which he said was approximately K300 million.

The legislator expressed suspicion that the inflated cost could be linked to corruption, noting that the project only involves repairing the damaged upper section of the bridge rather than rebuilding the entire structure.

Mpunga said he has asked Zomba City Council Chief Executive Officer Archangel Bakolo to temporarily suspend the project, stressing that the funds earmarked for the rehabilitation are sourced from taxpayers.

“As the Member of Parliament for Zomba City South, I will ensure that the rehabilitation of Likangala Bridge is carried out fairly and without corruption,” he said.

Commenting on the matter, Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Network Chairperson for Zomba District Nicholas Mwisama commended Mpunga for demanding transparency and accountability in the project.

Mwisama urged Zomba City Council to publicly explain how the K1 billion budget was arrived at, arguing that the amount appears excessive when compared to the original construction cost of the bridge.

“I would like to ask the authorities at Zomba City Council that whenever they want to undertake development projects, they should not make decisions on their own. They should first consult stakeholders so that they can also contribute their views,” he said.