Speaking to Zodiak in separate interviews, Senior Chief Chapananga and Taditional Authority Makhwira of Chikwawa districts expressed worry over the development, saying with the rain season fast approaching, it is likely that the construction works will further delay.

“It’s really a concern. You see, this is not the first time for the government to commit to rehabilitate the Chapananga road. It is my hope that this will not be another campaign gimmick for the government,” said Chapananga.

On his part, Traditional Authority (T/A) Makhwira of Chikwawa in whose area, the Thabwa-Masenjere-Muona road lies, told Zodiak that people in his area, mainly farmers, are currently struggling to transport their farm produce to the commercial city of Blantyre.

“It is also tricky for the people to travel Chikwawa District main hospital, particularly expectant mothers," said Makhwira.

Parliamentarian for Nsanje North Constituency, Enoch Chizuzu says he will take advantage of the upcoming midterm budget review meeting of parliament scheduled for next week to push for speedy commencement of the construction works on the two major roads.

Meanwhile, there has been no immediate reaction from the government regarding the matter as minister of transport Jacob Hara is outside the country.

Social commentator Caesar Kondowe has underscored the need for the government to account to the general public the progress of crucial construction projects funded by taxpayers money.

During his State of National Address when he opened the budget session of parliament for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, President Lazarus Chakwera said his administration will be the first to finalise the rehabilitation projects for the two major roads which he said will be named after fallen political giants from the region - Gwanda Chakwamba and Sidik Mia, respectively.

The rehabilitation work on the two major roads, which have become more of a campaign tool for all most different administrations, was expected to commerce within this financial year.