Defining Chipata-Mchinji Rail

TRANSPORT infrastructure plays an important role as a catalyst in regional economic development because it helps trade among the neighboring countries.

Zambia, just like many other countries in the region boasts of rich and abundant natural resources.

These large deposits of mineral wealth are of no economical value if they cannot be transported to the market just like huge agricultural potential areas cannot be exploited if they are inaccessible.

It is a well known fact that trade enhances development and fosters economic growth for many developing countries.

Adverse transport cost can have an impact on trade efficiency and it is for this reason that Regional Economic Communities (RECs) such as Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) are promoting infrastructure development as the only means of cementing regional integrations.

The official launch of the Chipata-Mchinji rail line by the Zambian Republican President Levy Mwanawasa together with his Malawian Counterpart Bingu Wa Mutharika on August 24, 2007 was a new dawn for regional economic integration for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

Initially, the Chipata-Mchinji rail line was suppose to have been officially launched by the three head of states from Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique who were also invited to grace the Kulamba ceremony of the Chewa speaking people from the three countries in Katete.

But, the Mozambique leader Armando Emilio Guebuza could not be present at the ceremony as he only managed to fly direct to Katete the following day for the traditional ceremony.

However, the Mozambique officials including the Zambian High Commissioner to that country George Chulumanda were present to witness the colorful official launch of the Mult Million US dollar project that had been turned into a white elephant for 25 years.

The officials from the three neigbouring countries were happy with the official launch of the rail line because it brought great hope to the growth of trade in the region.

Once completed, the three neigbouring countries are expected to further explore their abundant natural resources and compete favorably on the international trade market

HISTORY OF THE CHIPATA-MCHINJI RAIL LINE

The Chipata-Mchinji rail line was conceived in 1982 as a bilateral project between Zambia and Malawi.

The purpose of the project was to connect Zambia via Malawi to the port of Nacala in Mozambique.

The Government of Malawi with the assistance of the Canadian Government completed their portion of the rail line in 1984, which was within the earlier stipulated agreement by the two governments that the project be completed within the time frame of two years.

However, the Zambian government was not able to complete the construction of the rail line on time due to inadequate resources.

Only a stretch of 3.5 from Chipata towards the Mchinji border post was laid on the Zambian side.

But by the time the project was revitalize in 2006 it was discovered that the quality and size of the rail line that was erected on the Zambian side when the project had first started in 1982 was not compatible with the modern standards and it was removed.

Speaking during the official launch of the Chipata-Mchinji rail line, President Mwanawasa apologised to both the Governments of Malawi and Mozambique for any inconveniences delay on the Zambian part may have caused on the project.

"In an effort to complete the railway line, my administration has decided to construct the railway line on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis. To this end the government signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the private sectors to construct the railway line on BOT basis." President Mwanawasa explained.

The President said unfortunately all the studies which were carried out by the private sectors indicated that the project was not viable unless the Zambian Government contributed funds and material towards the project.

In Some cases the private investors requested the government to contribute almost 80 percent of the project cost.

It was against this background that the present Government in 2006 decided to have the railway line constructed using its own resources because the private sector could not raise the necessary capital required to complete the railway line.