Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Nancy Chaola Mdooko told journalists on Thursday afternoon that government is closely monitoring implementation of the construction of 18 billion kwacha stretches from Tsangano to Kambilonjo and Mwalaoyera to Neno Boma.

“You are aware that people of Neno presented their petition at parliament and our ministry on prolonged failure to construct the tarmac road in the district. Government decided to do the needful so as to ease mobility challenges,” said Chaola Mdooko.

The deputy minister has since promised consistent payment of funds to contractors so that projects are completed on time.

Contractor, China Geo Engineering Corporation, Business Manager Wilson Tian Desheng is optimistic that the 20 kilometres Mwalaoyera-Neno work will be completed in the period of 18 months.

That aside, the other 19 kilometres Tsangano-Kambilonjo has been moving at snail’s pace due to delayed payment from government and the excavation of huge rocks.

Chief Executive Officer for Malawi Defense Force, MDF, construction engineering company, Colenel Fostino Gundaphiri says now that government has paid them, they will add up speed.

“We have been staying for three months without doing actual work due to delayed payment. This means we will need additional time to complete the work,” said Gundaphiri.

Launched in 2018, the project was scheduled to be completed on October 31, 2021.