The Roads Authority (RA) is set to re-tender the contract for completing the Ruo-Makhanga section of the 83-kilometer Thyolo-Thekerani-Bangula road after failing to attract any contractors.

According to RA board chairperson, Reverend Dr. Matilda Matabwa, the authority floated tenders in May, including for other projects like Dzaleka-Ntchisi-Malomo, but received no submissions for Ruo-Makhanga.

The project, which began in 2008, aims to connect Limbe, Mulanje, and Thyolo to Bangula in Nsanje. 

However, the government terminated the contract with Mota Engil seven months ago after exhausting the contract sum.

Reasons for Lack of Interest

Joel Jere, executive director of Road Safety Alert Foundation (ROSAF), believes high project costs and unfavorable payment terms may have deterred contractors. 

"I'm concerned about the delays and think contractors are shunning the project due to high costs and unfavorable terms," he said.

The road, once completed, will ease mobility between the Southern Region districts Malawin of Thyolo and Nsanje.

The project involves upgrading of the existing earth road to Bitumen Standard Class 1, including bridges and culverts.

The RA says it will repackage the works and re-tender the contract, with the remaining 83 kilometers resuming once a new contractor is identified.