Mchinji Railway Line to Boost Trade

PRESIDENT Mwanawasa has said the completion of the Chipata-Mchniji railway line will boost trade and regional integration among Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

Speaking when he officially launched the construction of Chipata-Mchinji railway line project, together with his Malawian counterpart, Mbingu wa Mutharika at the Mwami Border post in Chipata yesterday, Mr Mwanawasa said the railway line would provide cheap access to the sea port.

The President said once completed, the project would be a trade corridor to the three countries and that it would also offer the shortest route to the sea port.

Mr Mwanawasa, who is Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) chairperson, said the project underscored the importance of infrastructure development in the region.

"You will appreciate that the fact that the ceremony today is a practical step in furthering the object of SADC beyond mere talk," he said.

The Chipata-Mchinji railway line was started in 1982 as a bilateral project between Zambia and Malawi with the purpose of connecting Zambia via Malawi to the port of Nacala in Mozambique.

The government of Malawi with the assistance from the Canadian government completed their portion of the railway line in 1984.

President Mwanawasa said he was saddened that the works on the Zambian side had stalled for more than 25 years before it was revitalised by his Government last year.

He apologised to his Malawian counterpart for the delay by the Zambian Government in completing the remaining 24 kilometres.

Mr Mwanawasa explained that 80 per cent of the people and goods in Zambia were being transported by road. He said since most of the goods were being transported by road, it was proving very expensive because of the need for frequent maintenance and rehabilitation.

Speaking at the same function, Mr Mutharika said the construction of the Chipata-Mchinji railway line would assist in reducing transport costs among the three countries by 55 per cent.

He said the three countries were failing to compete favourably on the international market due to the high costs of transportation and hoped that with the railway line more goods would be imported and transported easily.

Eastern Province Chambers of Commerce and Industry (EPCCI) chairperson, George Chabwera said the project would transform the economy and create a joint venture among the three neighboring countries.