Zambia Railways to get $1.2bn recapitalisaiton - minister

ABOUT US$1.2 billion will soon be invested in the recapitalisation of the Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) which among others, will be used to redesign the locomotives and the speed of the trains.

This investment will not only address the tracks but also locomotives which are almost obsolete, says Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali.

"There is something already which is really advanced, US$1.2 billion that is about to kick off. So I do not want to pre-empt much at this stage. We will leave it for later, otherwise we have a plan for this sector. It is also going to address safety issues.

"This company we are talking to is looking at redesigning and strengthening the tracks as much as possible to enhance speed from the current 15 kilometres per hour to around 90 kilometres per hour and possibly push it slightly beyond. That is where we are," Mr Tayali said yesterday during his familiarisation tour of the ZRL.

Mr Tayali indicated that the way forward for most of the parastatal institutions was to engage the private sector through Public Private Partnerships.

"It is bankable to invest in railway infrastructure so for the investments which are coming, we will be manoeuvring to see who is affected and at what levels," Mr Tayali said.

On encroachment of ZRL's land, Mr Tayali said Government would find a lasting solution.

At the same function, ZRL Board Chairman, Evans Chabala, said for a long time now, the company’s investment on infrastructure was minimal.

Dr Chabala said ZRL had made significant milestones in the movement of cargo and desires to be the hub that connects Zambia to the rest of its neighbouring countries.