Choma Motorists Raise Concerns Over Delayed 11.2km Township Road Works

Frustration is mounting among motorists and residents in Choma District, Southern Province, as the long-awaited 11.2-kilometer township road rehabilitation project faces significant delays. The project, intended to ease traffic flow and improve road safety, is now being criticized for its sluggish pace and the resulting negative impact on transportation, vehicle maintenance, and public health.

Several local drivers who spoke to YG FM News have expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the contractor, alleging a lack of urgency and inadequate workforce deployment.

Motorists Bear the Brunt of Delays

Elias Masika, a taxi driver operating from Kalukungu Taxi Rank, shared his daily frustrations over navigating pothole-ridden and dusty roads. He noted that while motorists were initially hopeful when the roadworks began, that optimism has been eroded by the contractor’s apparent failure to make substantial progress.

“It’s disappointing. We expected these roads to be completed by now, but the pace is painfully slow. We are spending more money on car maintenance than we earn. Suspensions, tyres, shocks—it’s all taking a toll,” Masika lamented.

Similarly, another taxi driver, Chilala Munyama, attributed the delay to poor planning and limited labor resources on the ground.

“From what we see every day, there are only a few workers handling the job. They look overstretched and demotivated. This is a big project that needs serious manpower and commitment to meet deadlines,” he said.

Health Hazards from Dust Worsen the Situation

Beyond the inconvenience to motorists, residents living along the affected routes are raising alarm over the increased dust pollution coming from unsealed road surfaces. Mwiimbi Mwiinga, a concerned resident, described the health risks posed by the dusty environment as alarming.

“Every time a vehicle passes, it raises clouds of dust. Children and the elderly are particularly at risk. We fear this could lead to respiratory illnesses if left unchecked,” he warned.

Mwiinga has urged local authorities or the contractor to introduce dust suppression measures, including the regular use of a water browser, to mitigate the health impact while construction continues.

Accountability in Question

Efforts to get an official comment from the Choma Municipal Council Public Relations Office were unsuccessful at the time of publication. The silence from local authorities has further fueled concerns among residents, who are demanding better communication and accountability regarding the progress and timeline of the road project.

The 11.2km road works, launched with the goal of improving urban mobility and supporting local economic activity, are now being seen as a source of daily hardship for many.

Public Urged to Demand Transparency

As delays drag on, stakeholders are calling for increased transparency and community engagement. Civil society advocates have encouraged residents and business owners to voice their concerns through ward development committees or directly with the council to ensure that contractors are held to their obligations.

Meanwhile, the community awaits clear answers: When will the road be completed? And at what cost—both financially and to public health—must they continue to endure the delay?