The Road Development Agency (RDA) has started mobilising equipment in readiness for emergency works at Lunzi bridge, on the Chama-Lundazi road.

RDA Acting Director for Communications and Corporate Affairs, Anthony Mulowa, says this follows the washing away of the approach road at Lunzi Bridge.

He said a 15 metre section of the approach road to the vented drift on the Chama side has been washed away.

Mr Mulowa said the river weeds brought by heavy water current have blocked the pipe culverts, which has led to water overtopping.

The Acting Director for Communications and Corporate Affairs says the immediate intervention involves unblocking the pipe culverts, in order to allow the water to flow.

He said this will help reduce the water levels at the cut off section, in order to pave the way for the construction of a diversion, to restore traffic flow.

Mr Mulowa said the team on site will then proceed to extend the existing vented drift by adding more lines of pipe culverts at the washed away section.

He said engineers are working around the clock and the weather permitting, the works on the diversion will be complete within five days.

The area experienced heavy rains for two days, from February 29 to March 1, 2024.