By Duncan Mlanjira
Mota Engil Malawi, the contractors constructing Malawi’s first-ever traffic interchange at the Area 18 in Lilongwe, has raised a concern of being impeded in their work by motorists using the site, saying they need working space in order to meet their deadline.
Mota Engil’s Head of PR, Thomas Chafunya, said the company had on several occasions asked road users through media advisories to motorists to budget their travel plans by using other routes if possible other than passing through the construction site.
Heavy machinery need mobility
“We need the public to understand that the works have taken a new level,” Chafunya said.
“Those who can, and this is an appeal, please use some routes and start off journeys earlier than before to avoid traffic congestion which is also affecting equipment movement around the project.”
To ensure maximum safety for the motorists who cannot at all cost avoid passing through the site, Chafunya said traffic Police has been requested to provide services during peak hours.
Taking shape
Chafunya said their heavy machines now require plenty of space to manouvre properly as the Interchange is now taking shape towards completion.
Earlier this month, Road Fund Administration chief engineer, Joel Longwe, took journalists on a tour of the construction site, where he announced that the road will be temporarily closed to ease potential congestion during the implementation of the project.
Longwe had urged all motorists to follow road signs for diversions that have been constructed around the construction site.
Site consultative meeting planning diversions
He said there will be two diversions with the one connecting Lingadzi Bridge M1 Road to City Centre via Seventh Day Adventist Church.
The second diversion is from Parliament to Area 10 near Malawi College of Accountancy.
Longwe explained that the construction of the dual carriage way stretching from Parliament Roundabout to Bingu National Stadium Roundabout would ease traffic congestion in the Capital City.
“As Roads Fund Administration, we are hoping that after completing this project, the traffic jams in our roads will be reduced as people will have more choice on which route to take.”
The project is expected to be completed in March 2020 that will see the country have its first-ever interchange that will replace the Area 18 roundabout.
The interchange accommodates both motorists and non-motorised traffic in which cyclists and pedestrians will have their own path — a safety measure for all road users.