Rumphi Central Member of Parliament Dr. Matthews Mtumbuka has appealed to the government to urgently rehabilitate the washed-away Valabao Bridge, saying the damaged structure has disrupted access to essential services for thousands of people.

Speaking during question time in Parliament on Friday, Mtumbuka asked Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango to intervene, arguing that the project is too costly to be financed through Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations.

Mtumbuka told the House that the bridge collapsed in March this year and that efforts by the local council to restore it had failed because of the huge financial resources required.

“We have been trying to rehabilitate it using the local government system, but the allocation required is beyond our capacity. I want you, Honourable Minister, to come to our rescue,” said Mtumbuka.

He said the bridge is a vital link for communities travelling to Rumphi Boma to access health services, markets, schools and other government services.

Responding to the question, Mhango said his ministry recognises the importance of the bridge and has already dispatched engineers to assess the damage.

According to Mhango, the engineers estimated that rebuilding the bridge will cost about K1.8 billion.

The minister assured Parliament that the government will take over the project and construct the bridge as part of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bwengu–Chipokawawoli Road.