Mutharika opens upgraded Masauko Chipembere Highway

President Arthur Peter Mutharika on Saturday opened upgraded Masauko Chipembere Highway with a promise of more developments in the city he said is dear to his heart.

Mutharika says a good road infrastructure is crucial in the socio-economic development of any country and that the highway connects to many districts hence it will facilitate movement of goods and services.

“Economically, this is one of the most important roads of Blantyre,” said Mutharika

“We decided to upgrade this road to set new standards. This is our signature; this is our style. This is the way the DPP government wants to do things,” he said.

The President advised road users to take good care of the Highway and asked both the community and police to make sure there is no vandalism of the road infrastructure.

“Let us keep our roads like treasure for the next generation. We want to make life comfortable. We want to make driving and travelling more comfortable. We have upgraded this road to reduce congestion and ease smooth flow of traffic,” said Mutharika.

”The last stretch beyond this Highway connecting the roundabout at Illovo and the Midima Roundabout is about to be upgraded. Not long from now, there will be bypasses round the City of Blantyre to decongest traffic,” he said.

Blantyre City Mayor Noel Chalamanda thanked government for facilitating the upgrading of the highway from two to four lane road.

He said the development has eased movement of people and services between Limbe and Blantyre which was a nightmare.

Said Chalamanda: “It is through such infrastructural projects that Blantyre will beat again. Will be alive and great again. They say a great nation needs great cities. Great cities thrive in a great nation. It is symbiotic. We look up to you Your Excellency for your usual and unwavering support.”

Masauko Chipembere Highway has been upgraded with financial assistance from the Japanese government to the tune of K12 billion.