Communities at   Traditional Authority Somba have hailed Blantyre District Council for constructing a K35.8 million, Matandani concrete bridge in the area to improve mobility in accessing health and other social amenities.

The bridge was constructed with funding from District Development Fund.

Speaking in an interview, a community member at T/A Somba, Magreta Phinze, said the development was a relief to communities, especially women who used to find it challenging to cross over the old and dilapidated structure of a bridge to access antenatal services at a health facility.

“Life was hard for expectant women; some even failed to attend antenatal clinics because they could not cross over to connect to the health facility or we could use the longest stretch which took us about two hours walking to reach the health facility.

This was also a challenge when it was time to give birth, but Ntayamwana concrete bridge has addressed mobility challenges,” she added.

Commenting on the same, T/A Somba, said the bridge has provided greater opportunity for the business community to cross over to other market places without difficulties, as was the case before.

“It is a great opportunity for many people in my area. People are now able to transport farm produce to market places without difficulties.,

" Apart from this, it connects learners to various schools,” he added.

Director of Public Works for Blantyre District Council, Joseph Bodole, said it was pleasing that the bridge has given communities access to social services such as hospitals, markets, and schools.

He said that since 2021 to date, the council has completed 48 projects under Constituency Development Fund and 11 projects under DDF.

"These projects include bridges, staff houses, solar-powered water systems, health facilities, and classroom blocks. Some of them underwent rehabilitations, while in some cases, it was about building new infrastructures,"  Bodole added.

He therefore advised communities to guard against vandalism of the infrastructure to continue benefiting them now and future generations.

Story Credits: Memory Kutengule Chatonda, District Information Officer, Blantyre