Railway Systems of Zambia -RSZ-says Zambia roads will continue being damaged by heavy duty trucks because it is currently more expensive for businesses to move cargo on rail than road.
Rail Systems of Zambia spokesperson, Charles Phiri says moving cargo on rail is more expensive than on road because rail operators have to pay fuel levy which is not used for rail maintenance.
He has told ZNBC news that government should consider refunding the fuel levy to railway systems of Zambia so that the money is used in maintaining railway infrastructure.
Mr Phiri also suggested that the government creates an infrastructure fund which will be used for the benefit of all forms of surface transport modes.
Meanwhile Mr Phiri says RSZ is losing up to two million dollars every year in running the passenger rail service.
He has explained that noted that the concession of the passenger service ended in 2010 and that currently RSZ is running the passenger line on government extensions.
ZNBC
Bring back Zambia Railways.
LAP Green was far better than these goons. I don’t understand why we are still allowing them to continue wasting our time.
The roads are not only damaged,but they’re also choking with litter,gulleys with ponds and invasion by filthy street traders.
these so called rsz are briefcase investors who ve done nothin 2 improve on operatn of the railway sector let rubish system of zambia go
Awe Mu ambia mwaliba Dull people! i would have appreciated some statement like. Railways is loosing million of dollar running passager train but we trying in working out other means in alliviating the issues and challenges.
Railway Systems of Zambia (RSZ) has failed lamentably to run the service. I think there is more to it than just fuel levy. They operate covertly and little is heard of them until they have some complaint to make. So today they have no capacity to repair the tracks? This is the result of the wanton and unreasonable private engagements of questionable motives. How come Zambia Railways performed better than these?
Railway transportion of heavy goods is the cheapest world over! How come its the most expensive in zambia? Government should reposes this company or should embark on building a parrallel system to compete with railway system. As a landlocked country we need an efficient railway transport system to reduce on the cost of goods. If possible we should also have cargo ships in international waters even if we have no sea coast.
THIS IS A BRILLIANT IDEA FOWARD YOUR PROPOSAL TO THE MINISTRY INCHARGE OF TRANSAPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS.
Zambia Railways was better than these mambalas. Just bring back ZR. We were proud of it. These cancoons are always complaning and taking the company backwards. Meanwhile there is a lot of externalising of money for their personal enrichment. How come every goverment is tolerating them? ABASH RSZ!!!!
We have no efficient railway system worth talking about. Its all rotten to the core and we are better off expanding the road network infrastructure, make them more efficient and safe in view of increased traffic for both goods and passengers.
The road network has largely remained the same despite increased traffic rendering them unsafe