The Lirangwe–Chingale–Machinga Road is a road in the Southern Region of Malawi, connecting the towns of Lirangwe in Blantyre District to the towns of Chingale in Zomba District and the town of Machinga in Machinga District.[1]
| Lirangwe–Chingale–Machinga Road | |
|---|---|
| Route information | |
| Length | 39 mi (63 km) |
| History | Designated in 2018 Completion in 2025 (Expected) |
| Major junctions | |
| South end | Lirangwe |
| Chingale | |
| North end | Machinga |
| Location | |
| Country | Malawi |
| Highway system | |
Location edit
The road starts at Lirangwe, Blantyre District, along the Blanyre–Lilongwe Road (M1 Highway), approximately 54 kilometres (34 mi) north of the city of Blantyre.[2] From there, the road takes a north-easterly direction to Chingale in Zomba District, and continues northeastwards to end at Machinga in Machinga District, along the Blantyre–Zomba–Mangochi Road (M3 Highway). The road measures approximately 63 kilometres (39 mi) from end to end.[3]
Overview edit
Prior to 2014, the road had a gravel surface in poor condition. The Malawian president at that time, Joyce Banda, laid a foundation stone for the work to commence, after obtaining concessional loans from Arab development partners.[4]
However, work progressed very slowly. The next president of the country, Peter Mutharika also laid a stone for the work to start, in 2018. As of February 2018, only 11 percent of the work had been completed, with a completion date of September 2019, as of then.[5]
Construction edit
The Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract was awarded to Mota-Engil Malawi, a subsidiary of Mota-Engil, the Portuguese engineering and construction conglomerate. Construction began in April 2018. The road has been beset by repeated delays from the onset.[5] As of March 2020, work on upgrading the road to class II bitumen standard with shoulders, culverts, drainage channels and at least four bridges, is again stalled.[6]
Funding edit
The total cost of the Lirangwe–Chingale–Machinga Road Project is reported as US$139 million.[6] The table below illustrates the various sources of funding for the project as reported in Malawian print media.[4]
| Rank | Funding Source | Funding in US Dollars | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development | 10.2 million | 7.4 |
Soft Loan |
| 2 | Saudi Fund for Development | 29.5 million | 20.5 |
Loan |
| 3 | Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa | 29.5 million | 20.5 |
Loan |
| 4 | OPEC Fund for International Development | 20.0 million | 14.4 |
Loan |
| 5 | OPEC Fund for International Development | 20.0 million | 14.4 |
Loan |
| 6 | Government of Malawi | 29.8 million | 21.4 |
Infrastructure Investment |
| Total | 139.0 million | 100.00 |
- Note: Totals may slightly b off due to rounding.
Benefits edit
Among the benefits exacted to be reaped out of this road, when tarmacked, include the following:
1. The three districts that the road corridor traverses are heavily agricultural. The produce harvested in the region is expected to find easy market in the cities, unlike before when transport was a challenge.[4][6]
2. With the travel corridor nearly impossible during both the dry and wet seasons, many maternity cases could not access health facilities to receive antenatal care and maternity services when due.[4]
3. The completion of the Upgrading of Lirangwe–Chingale–Machinga Road, is expected to open up this transport corridor to tourist destinations along the western shores of Lake Malawi, around the city of Mangochi.[4]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Construction Review Online (5 June 2018). "Malawi to relaunch construction of Lirangwe-Chingale turnoff road". Nairobi: Construction Review Online. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ Google (30 March 2021). "Road Distance Between Blantyre, Malawi And Lirangwe, Malawi" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ Prince Henderson (22 August 2017). "MPs Tour Lirangwe–Chingale–Machinga Road". Blantyre: Malawi Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ a b c d e Nyasa Times (19 November 2013). "Malawi, Kuwait Fund Sign Deal On Lirangwe–Chingale–Machinga Road". Nyasa Times. Blantyre. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ a b Precious Kumbani (11 February 2019). "Lirangwe-Chingale Road Project Delays". The Nation (Malawi). Blantyre. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ a b c Nyasa Times (23 March 2021). "Protest Over Delayed Lirangwe-Chingale-Machinga Road Construction, Petition Delivered At Parliament". Nyasa Times. Blantyre. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
External links edit
- US$10.2 million loan for Lirangwe-Chingale-Machinga Road As of 20 November 2015.
- BT North Aspirants Pledge Completion of Lirangwe-Chingale-Machinga Road As of 16 April 2019.