By Shaffie A Mtambo
A recent incident involving a 25-year-old driver, Mepyala Samalani, has raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of Lilongwe’s newly dualized M1 road. Samalani, who was driving a Scania tipper without a license, lost control of the vehicle at a bend near a Pentecostal Church, causing significant damage to the road infrastructure.
The truck veered off the road, colliding with a streetlight pole and crushing the freshly constructed road pavement. This incident is particularly alarming, given that the M1 road dualization project has not yet been officially completed for the public. The newly dualized stretch is a vital upgrade to Lilongwe’s transport network, and such reckless behavior puts the entire project at risk.
Samalani’s actions have not only put the road project at risk but also endangered the lives of other road users. His reckless behavior is a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic laws.
Samalani, who hails from Pemba Village in Dedza, now faces charges of reckless driving, driving without a license, and damaging road infrastructure. He is currently out on police bail and will soon appear in court to answer the charges.
The outcome of the case will serve as a deterrent to others who may engage in reckless behavior on the roads, emphasizing the need for responsible driving practices to ensure the safety and maintenance of Lilongwe’s newly dualized M1 road.
