Chipata-Muchinji railway to lead to economic explosion-PF official

By ANNIE ZULU

THE construction of the Chipata-Muchinji railway line will massively contribute to the transformation of Zambia’s economy, PF Eastern Province chairperson Andrew Lubusha has said.

Mr Lubusha noted that the railway, like other railway lines in the country, had potential to play a significant role in development.

He was reacting to President Edgar Lungu’s announcement of the construction of the ChipataMuchinji, which is expected to commence soon

President Lungu announced during his official opening of the second session of the 12th National Assembly last Friday that feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs for the construction of the Chipata-Muchinji railway line had been completed and actual construction wAS expected to start soon at an estimated cost of US$2.3 billion.

Mr Lungu also indicated that the railway line is expected to create 8, 000 direct jobs during construction.

Mr Lubusha told the Daily Nation in an interview that the construction of the railway line, which provided connectivity into the Malawi railway network and also connects Zambia to the northern Mozambique railway network was a welcome move ,

He said the railway line would improve the lives of Zambians and productivity.

Mr Lubusha observed that the local people, mostly young people would be employed during construction.

Mr Lubusha also said once the railway line was completed, the stress that people went through using congested roads and spending several hours in traffic would be reduced.

“The President’s announcement of the construction of the Chipata-Muchinji railway line is welcome, the railway line has potential to contribute to achieving our dream of economic transformation. In fact, what will happen in the Zambia when this railway line is completed is an economic explosion,” Mr Lubusha said.