Residents around Chapananga Bridge in Chikwawa have expressed an outrage over delayed repairs to the damaged bridge.

The bridge has been out of commission since 2022, and locals say over five years have passed without progress.

"We are asking well-wishers and authorities to assist us. Government officials have been visiting the bridge and promising that it will be repaired, but up to now nothing has been done and our businesses are suffering because we cannot cross easily," said Mark Montfort, a local trader.

The damaged bridge has made it hard for people to access essential services like hospitals and markets, with some paying individuals to help them cross Mwanza River.

Vehicles are also getting stuck when trying to use the crossing.

Chikwawa West MP Suzanne Dossi acknowledges the challenges, saying, "The damaged bridge has also made it difficult for me to visit communities I represent. Complaints have been raised with government authorities over the years, but little progress has been made."

Anderson Billiat, Chairperson for non-governmental organisations in the district, says the poor state of the bridge is a serious burden and calls for urgent government action.

"The government should take urgent action to rehabilitate the bridge and ease mobility challenges for communities in the area," he said.