Ministry moves to revamp railways
Minister of Transport and Public Works Jacob Hara has assured the nation that government will rehabilitate railway lines that suffered damage to revamp railway transport.
He said this on Thursday after touring the 72-kilometre Bangula-Marka Railway project under construction by China Railway 20.
“All railway networks are in dilapidated state as only Moatize-Liwonde-Nacala is in good state. We need to build from scratch to ensure the railway lines are back in good state. Mind you the cheapest mode of transport is water, seconded by railway,” said Hara.
On Bangula-Marka Railway project, the minister said they wanted to build a resilient railway line which can stand floods and vandalism.
One of the engineers for CR20, Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba said the cost of the project could move from the initial K68 billion to K90 billion to produce quality work.
“We have more scope of work which will need more money to cover as Cyclone Freddy affected the project. If government cannot agree, we will reduce the quality of the work but we would love if they accept our proposal,” he said.
Mumba said the project will be completed by December, 2024 if government meets their demands.
Nsanje South legislator Ramzan Mahomedi said railway is a cheap mode of transport; hence, commended government for the project.
He said the project will boost trade between Malawi and Mozambique as many goods will pass through the Sena Corridor. n
