People of Traditional Authority Mwaulambya in Chitipa have commended the Ministry of Transport and Public Works for rehabilitating Kaseghe Bridge in the district.

The bridge collapsed in September 2021 when a lorry carrying 72 passengers was passing on it. The accident killed nine people while 64 others sustained injuries.

Speaking in random interviews yesterday, community members said the rehabilitation of the bridge relieved them of mobility challenges.

The rehabilitated bridge across Kaseghe River in Chitipa

A motorcycle taxi operator John Katumbi, commended government for the development, saying it was difficult to operate on that route during the three months the bridge was undergoing rehabilitation.

“It was dangerous trying to cross the river on fragile planks with passengers,” he said.

Katumbi also said some people stopped using the route, which affected their business.

Ulambya- Kaseye Area Development Committee chairperson Lauline Chilungulo said a good road network was crucial for development.

She said: “People from Chitipa Boma failed to travel to Ifumbo for business because of the broken bridge at Kaseghe.

“In addition, ambulance from Chitipa District Hospital could not go to Ifumbo to take referrals.”

On his part, Chitipa district director of public works Elijah Zimba said the newly-constructed Bailey bridge has a lifespan of 10 years and can withstand  large vehicles.

“We rehabilitated the bridge using steel from the old Songwe River Bridge at Ilomba Border Post and I can assure the public that the bridge is strong,” he said.

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