Area 23 Tank Road- Lilongwe

By Burnett Munthali……..

The Area 23 Tank Road, as it is popularly known, is one of the good roads in the Capital City of Lilongwe today. It is smooth and fast to drive through because of the renovations recently done by the Tonse Alliance Government. This is one development I can openly appreciate. It only takes few minutes for you to reach your destination.

If you choose to chat on your phone while traveling by public transport on this road, you will be surprised to realize that you have gone far beyond your destination. So it’s better you stay focused as you travel and keep your phone away from distracting you.

A local company was hired to work on the 23 Tank Road in 2022. It worked very well throughout by placing another layer of tarmac on top of the dilapidated one which was in a horrible state.

Artificial water ways were constructed, a development which many road users commended immensely. This project gave hope to many onlookers as the construction progressed.

However, at the finishing point, some bad workmanship was noted. Some parts of artificial water ways were perfectly completed while others were halfway done and in some cases, the waterways were abandoned. A quick survey of the road was made to appreciate the work done but some parts of the road was left incomplete. The locals have resorted to making finishing touches on their own as the construction company seems to have winded up. Malawians along the road are laying their hands on anything available to complete the remaining job.

Energy efficiency and environmentally friendly. As mentioned above, tarmac roads are incredibly smooth and this reduces the friction between the surface and the tires of cars travelling over it. This results in less fuel consumption by vehicles and, in turn, it brings down the total amount of carbon emissions.

Why do we use tarmac instead of concrete? There are quite a number of dvantages of Asphalt Roads. New asphalt is quieter than concrete. Though it creates a smooth drive, it also boasts better traction and skid resistance. Since asphalt is black, it utilizes the natural heat from the sun to help keep the roads clear after storms.

What are the characteristics of tarmac road? As well as it’s hard-wearing properties, tarmac also boasts water resistant qualities, superior grip and a pleasant finish making it an ideal choice for roads, driveways, playgrounds and a plethora of other areas where durability is key.

What is the best road surface? Concrete road surfaces last longer – as much as 25 years, compared to 18 for asphalt. With proper care, both surfaces could last as long as 40 years, but concrete will require less maintenance.