Heavy rains cut off key roads, RA moves in to restore access

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

The Roads Authority (RA) has announced that it has mobilised contractors to urgently repair sections of the national road network damaged by persistent and heavy rainfall across the country.

According to the authority, the prolonged rains have weakened road structures and caused significant damage to several critical transport links.

Wash aways have been reported on major bridges and road sections, leading to temporary disruption of traffic flow in some districts.

Kasungu District is among the affected areas, where motorists are experiencing difficulties moving along key routes.

In Kasungu, the Mpasadzi Bridge along the M001 Road has been damaged after being overwhelmed by heavy runoff.

The Nkhamenya Bridge, also located on the M001 Road, has similarly been affected, limiting smooth movement of vehicles in the area.

Nkhotakota District has also been hit hard by the rains, with multiple road sections suffering damage.

The Dwangwa Bridge along the M005 Road is one of the structures affected, impacting connectivity for surrounding communities.

Additional damage has been recorded on the Kaombe, Ling’ona and Nchandilo bridges, further straining transport along the same route.

The stretch near Bout Trading Centre on the M005 Road has also been compromised, affecting both commercial and local traffic.

In a statement, Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer Engineer Ammiel Champiti said the institution has taken swift action to address the situation.

Champiti explained that contractor Mota-Engil has been deployed to work on the damaged sections of the M001 Road in Kasungu.

He added that China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has been mobilised to restore connectivity along the M005 Road in Nkhotakota.

The Roads Authority is also conducting rapid technical assessments while identifying alternative routes to allow temporary traffic diversion where possible.

Champiti noted that although continued rainfall has created challenging ground conditions, restoration works have already started and efforts are underway to fully reopen the affected road sections.