National News

Chief decries railway line project delay

Traditional Authority (T/A) Chimombo of Nsanje has bemoaned the delayed construction of the Bangula-Marka Railway Line.

His concern comes after the project failed to start in February this year as scheduled.

In an interview, the chief expressed doubt whether the project will meet its deadline of  September 2021.

“Officials from the Ministry of Transport and Public Works addressed the full council meeting [in January] that they set aside K70 billion for the construction of railway stations and communication infrastructures, but to date nothing is happening on the ground,” said Chimombo.

He said the railway line will help other countries, including Zambia and Zimbabwe on import and export of goods.

Government rescued the rails to pave the
way for construction project

Daniel Lombe, a community member from Nthukuso Village in T/A Chimombo, echoed the chief’s sentiments that the delay was casting doubt on the project’s implementation.

“After rescuing the rails we expected the construction to start,” he said.

In a separate interview, director of railway services Geoffrey Magwede said they are still looking for a company to procure equipment to construct the railway stations and communication infrastructures.

He said: “When all is sorted out we will be on the ground soon.

“Our friends in Mozambique have their own company that produces railway materials unlike us who mostly depend on procuring from other companies.”

Government is constructing the Bangula-Marka Railway Line which will link the country with Beira in Mozambique through Virra Nova Forentera and Mutarara.

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