Government has diclosed that it will soon construct a railway line from Chingola to Lumwana mine in Solwezi.
Comunications and transport minister Sarah Sayifawanda says the railway transport is
more effective and easier to maintain than roads
Ms. Sayifwanda also disclosed that construction of the Chipata/Mchinji railway in
Eastern province will soon be completed.
Ms. Sayifwanda said this in Solwezi when she paid a courtesy call on Lumwana mine
management to assure them on government’s commitment to the construction of the
railway line following appeals by investors in the area.
She called on other investors to invest in North Western province because the region
has vast potential in mining, agriculture and tourism sectors.
Ms. Sayifwanda says government stands ready to work with investors who have shown
interest to invest in North Western province.
She commended Lumwana mining company for investing and exploring the rich mineral
deposits in the region.
She further warned investors aganist abrogating the labour laws but to adhere to the
laid down proceedures enforced by government.
And Lumwana mine managing directory Harry Michael bemoaned the poor road network in
North Western province saying the mining firm is finding it difficult to transport
heavy duty equipment to the mines.
Mr. Michael said a good road network is vital to accelerating development in the area.
He said his company has secured a US$584 million loan for investment in mining
exploration in the province.
Government should even electrify the railway line. Its a modern world!!
The life-span for Lumwana has been put at 37 yrs. Let’s hope development of this line will not commence in the 37th yr. Look at Mchinji, how long has it taken, and govt is still talking of completing so many years later.
#2 The 37 years seems short. I hope lessons have been learned from copperbelt such diversification of the local economy is made in good time.
Its a good idea,i wish to advise government to expedite the works leading to the concstruction of the railway line within the shortest posible period of time.The road network should also be improved seriously, we want develoment.
Hahaha! Our very own govt? Well, we shall see! And for Titus, Zesco is already load sheding, so where does he think the extra power to supply the line will come from? Maybe he knows more about our very own inefficient Zesco than some of us do! Good luck!
I hope this will not be another MCHINJI AND KASAMA-MPULUNGU DREAMS.
WISHING YOU THE BEST AS THESE ARE TANGIBLE PROJECTS WE LOOK FORWARD TO.
As much as the news sounds elating, I often hate to hear government make promises. The reason is simple. It takes our lifetime to see things on the ground. Mchinji rail line, Dag, etc. Many times I would rather see them start a project than believe their “plans!†I am glad #1 Titus proposed electrification. France is evening beating a record in supersonic trains but we are still in the “Dobadoba†era! LPM was suggesting to the newly appointed envoy to Angola Marina Nsingo to convince Angola to make a line as well. All I have thought is just for Zambia to extend TAZARA from Kapiri to Mongu and west of the Zambezi to the border with the same specifications that our engineers can do. You will not need to convince Angola because they will automatically build theirs or if they see your will but then you would have completed yours, they will do that that is when you should start negotiating. Take the initiative and remove those empty promises.