Ministry of Transport and Public Works says construction works of the K10 billion Likoma Jetty are scheduled to be completed by March next year, an extension from an earlier deadline of October 2023.

In a statement released ahead of inspection of the project by President Lazarus Chakwera today, Ministry of Transport and Public Works Marine Services director Lloyd Saidi Banda said construction works are now at 75 percent.

He said construction of the jetty structure is at 88 percent while that of the passenger lounge/restaurant, guard house and ablution block is almost complete.

Said Banda: “The key components of the port yet to be constructed are customs, immigration and port security offices, warehouses and the paved access road to the port.

Part of the jetty that has been constructed

“Completion dates of the project have been shifted from October 2023 to March 2024 following a request from the contractor Mota-Engil.”

He said government has accepted the request for the extension as delays were caused by, among others, rising water levels in Lake Malawi and changes in construction methodology.

Chakwera is today expected to inspect the progress of the project and lead the country in commemorating the Community Health Day on the island.

Currently, the island does not have a jetty and people are forced to swim to the shore after disembarking or to board MV Ilala.

Besides Ilala, people of Likoma and Chizumulu islands use boats to travel to the mainland.

The K10 billion Likoma Jetty project started in 2019 and is being funded by Malawi Government.

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