16 nabbed for encroaching on Zambia Railways land

SIXTEEN people have been arrested for crimes related to contravening with the railway Act between January 4 and February 15

Zambia Railways chief executive officer, Christopher Musonda has expressed deep concerned with the increased cases of encroachment on the railway reserve land throughout the system.

In a press statement to the Daily Nation Mr Musonda said, there was need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders in addressing the issue of encroachment.

He warned would-be encroachers to desist from the vice as it was harmful to the economy.

“We warn would-be encroachers to desist from developing illegal structures because Zambia Railways will use every legal avenue to demolish such structures,

“Zambia Railways land has suffered encroachment where illegal structures have been built on or next to the railway line. This has raised safety concerns as the company moves hazardous commodities such as acids, fuels and chemicals which can result in a catastrophe, in case of a derailment or accident,” he said.

And the ZRL board chairman Lubinda Linyama said the board had resolved to comprehensively deal with the challenge of encroachments and vandalism as that was not only a strategic issue but also a serious safety concern.

“I wish to signal a warning to all those who have encroached on railway land to voluntarily vacate or we shall be left with no option but to demolish such illegal structures,” he warned.

Encroachments were also a violation of the Railway Act which prohibited anybody to build within 50 meters on either side of the railway line or any land beyond the 50 meter radius that was owned by the company.