Malawi News

Dust settles at Jalawe Health Centre

Dust settles at Jalawe Health Centre

China Henan International Co. Limited, the contractor for Lot 4 of the M1 Road rehabilitation, has intensified efforts to reduce dust at Jalawe Health Centre in Rumphi by watering a 500-metre stretch of road.

This action aims to improve health service delivery, which had been compromised by excessive dust.

The contractors have started watering the road four times a day and have installed three speed humps to slow down vehicles passing the facility, thereby minimising dust.

Previously, the health centre was in a poor state, with dust accumulating on furniture, medical supplies and solar panels, which hindered its functionality.

Health workers reported suffering from respiratory issues caused by the pervasive dust.

However, a week after The Sunday Times highlighted the issue, the contractor took steps to address it.

During a follow-up visit, we observed significant improvements. The road remained wet throughout the day and a water bowser was on standby to water the area whenever it dried out.

NYIRENDA—The contractor has been
cooperative

Kenney Nyirenda, who is in charge of Jalawe Health Centre, praised the contractor for responding to their concerns.

“I can say the contractor has been cooperative now because they ensure there is no dust from their construction activities. We suggested they water the road frequently and we have seen they are doing that,” Nyirenda said.

China Henan International Co. Limited has not yet commented on the current situation.

However, David Hayward, the project’s Environment, Social and Safety Manager, previously said that they were addressing the problem and that they take environmental issues seriously.

Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, through his spokesperson Kelvin Sato, indicated that, in coordination with relevant stakeholders, the situation has been managed to ensure that construction progresses without adversely affecting local residents.

The rehabilitation of the M1 Road starts from Kamuzu International Airport Turns-off in Lilongwe to Chiweta in Rumphi and is being funded by the European Investment Bank.