District Councils Challenged to take charge of Rural Roads

The Ministry of Local Government has challenged district councils to take charge of the construction and maintenance of Community Roads in the country.

The Principal Secretary in the ministry, Dr Esmie Kainja made the sentiment on Monday in Lilongwe.

She was speaking during the Roads, Fund consultation meeting with the district council officials.

Kainja said there is a need for the council to carry out adequate supervision of community road maintenance meant to promote accessibility.

She added that improvement in the community roads can boost the status of Malawian.

Kainja said, “Community roads are very important to the community members as it provides them with livelihood. People are active to work on all farm activities to earn their livings.

“Community Roads promote access. Accessibility is very important because you cannot produce your harvesting without taking it to the market. When taking goods to the market, people use these roads hence need for adequate supervision.”

Roads Fund Administration Chairperson, Mathews Chikankheni has expressed concerns on the status of the community roads in the country.

“The status of the rural roads is not up to the standard as a country require,” said Chikankheni.

Chikankheni has however said the government is working tirelessly to improve the status of the rural roads.

“We are trying to do something to make them better. We have gathered here with District councils to discuss how best we can do to improve the standard of the Roads in communities,” added Chikankheni.

Malawi Government through the Roads Fund Administration works for hand in hand with the district councils in the construction and maintenance of community roads.