This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2024 shows the commencement ceremony of the Neno-Ligowe road construction in Neno district, Malawi.(China Railway 20th Bureau Group Corporation Limited/Handout via Xinhua)

NENO, Malawi, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese company, together with local officials, on Friday announced the commencement of the Neno-Ligowe road construction in Ligowe Village of Neno, one of Malawi's isolated districts.

Neno, a border district with Mozambique in southern Malawi, is known for its mountainous terrain and poor roads, which become impassable during the rainy season.

According to Neno District Council Official Brightone Mphinga, the Neno-Ligowe road, a 20 km stretch, is vital for the people of Neno as it will not only facilitate the transportation of people and goods, especially farm produce, but also improve access to health and education services in the area.

Mphinga told Xinhua that the arrival of China Railway 20th Bureau Group Corporation Limited (CR20) to announce the start of the project is an assurance that the long-awaited road will soon be realized.

He said that the poor condition of the road has long deprived the people of Neno of essential services, including healthcare and education.

"This is a crucial project for us, and we are very grateful. We want to assure the CR20 company that the District Commissioner's office, along with all government offices and local communities, will work together to provide all necessary support until the project is completed," Mphinga said.

Chief Mlauli, the area's highest traditional authority, echoed Mphinga's sentiments, pledging continued community support to ensure smooth progress. He said that the road's completion will significantly boost the local economy, making it easier and more affordable for farmers to transport crops such as Irish potatoes, cowpeas, tangerines and oranges to market.

CR20 Project Manager Deng Jing reassured the people of Neno that the company will deliver a high-quality, durable road within the 18-month contract period. He also called for support from local authorities and the community to ensure the project's success.

CR20 has already mobilized more than 10 dump trucks and excavators at the site, with nearly 100 Chinese and Malawian workers ready to begin construction.

The Neno-Ligowe Road project involves upgrading the existing dirt road, which is often impassable, to a 9.5-meter-wide asphalt-paved route. The road is critical for transportation and socio-economic development in the region, connecting Mwanza, a major border post, to Ntcheu, a commercial hub for farm produce in central Malawi.

Since 2018, CR20 has implemented several projects in Malawi, contributing to local capacity building through employment for over 5,000 Malawians, as well as training and mentorship programs.