Authorities assess railway project

Authorities in Nsanje have expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Bangula-Marka Railway Construction Project.

In an interview on Wednesday, Nsanje district commissioner Dominic Mwandira said there is hope that the project will be completed within its stipulated 18 months period.

He said the railway is expected to open up business opportunities in the district.

“I, therefore, appeal to communities to continue providing support to the contractor for the project to be implemented smoothly,” said Mwandira.

Senior Chief Chimombo said the railway will boost economic activities at Marka, Nsanje Boma and Bangula, among other places.

“The construction of the railway line has motivated many people to engage in various economic activities in the district and some are investing in construction of lodges and other facilities,” he said.

Group village head Ndenguma said the damage of the railway line in the late 1990s fueled poverty in the district.

“In those days, at least four locomotives were coming to Nsanje before the civil war broke out in Mozambique in the 1970s. I recall that I used to go to the railway station to see the train. There were a lot of business activities taking place at the station,” said.

Ndenguma appealed to communities to take ownership of the project and refrain from theft of construction materials.

Government is constructing a 72-kilometre railway line, connecting Malawi with Mozambique.

Last year, the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Public infrastructure also expressed satisfaction with the project and touted it as crucial for the country’s economic development.