Mon, 25 Sep 2017 09:51:42 +0000
By Annie Zulu
GOVERNMENT’s plans to revitalise the railway industry will accelerate the economy and ease transportation in Zambia former republican vice president Enoch Kavindele said.
Mr Kavindele noted that rehabilitation of the rail line sector would attract investment, thereby contribute to development through increased movement of cargo and passengers.
He advised Government that once the rehabilitation was done, it should re-introduce the use of trains as an alternative mode of transport especially in Lusaka, saying the system was faster and convenient for both goods and people.
Mr Kavindele observed that railways would attract business, thereby solving the most outstanding issues in the sector.
“Government should see to it that railway lines are fully rehabilitated so that they can improve on the speed, because when the speed is improved they’ll be able to attract business which will lead to sustainability,” Mr Kavindele said.
He said that for the railway industry to continue operating it needed serious investment, stressing that Government should team up with companies that would support and invest in the industry.
“Government should work towards a Public Private Partnership programme just to ensure that there is sustainability, accountability and transparency in the running of this industry which is key to the development of the country,” he said.
Mr Kavindele said most developed countries were using trains as a mode of transport and communication, noting that Zambia should also head in the same direction.
President Edgar Lungu recently announced that feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs the extension of most railway lines have been completed.
The President revealed that construction was expected to start soon.
He mentioned the Chipata-Muchinji, Nseluka-Mpulungu, Livingstone via Kazungula to Sesheke, Greenfield and Kafue-Lion’s den railways, were among the railway lines to be constructed.
