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.
Sunday, 26 August 2007
HAND BACK BABY DAVID
Madonna's anguish in adoption controversy Setback as Malawi authorities step in
Madonna could be forced to hand back her adopted African baby boy.
The anguished pop superstar looks set to face a battle to keep 18-month-old David after new set backs in the controversial adoption process.
If she fails, David could be given back to his biological father Yohane Banda in poverty-stricken Malawi.
Yohane, 33, who struggles to make a living as a peasant farmer, told The People: "I still miss David very much andamlooking forward to the day I see him again."
The adoption has been thrown into jeopardy after accusations that Malawian child welfare officer Penstone Kilembe has become too close to the case.
Kilembe was banned by his government from travelling to Britain to review the boy's progress after 10 months with Madonna, 49, and husband Guy Ritchie.
The singer was told someone else would come to the UK to assess the family.
But The People can reveal a new person STILL hasn't been appointed - leaving distraught Madonna in limbo.
Kilembe said: "This means the whole adoption process may crumble and David may be sent back."
Malawian human rights lawyer Justin Dzonzi is also campaigning against the adoption.
He said: "If you are not a resident then you can't adopt."
But Jonathan Pearce, director of Adoption UK, says Madonna will be racked by guilt if David is taken back into care.
He said: "The adoptive parents will often feel at fault."
The crisis is believed to have caused tensions in Madonna's marriage to Guy, 38.
Asource said: "Madonna and Guy are very attached to David and the strain is taking its toll. What they're going through would test the strongest marriage."
Madonna could be forced to hand back her adopted African baby boy.
The anguished pop superstar looks set to face a battle to keep 18-month-old David after new set backs in the controversial adoption process.
If she fails, David could be given back to his biological father Yohane Banda in poverty-stricken Malawi.
Yohane, 33, who struggles to make a living as a peasant farmer, told The People: "I still miss David very much andamlooking forward to the day I see him again."
The adoption has been thrown into jeopardy after accusations that Malawian child welfare officer Penstone Kilembe has become too close to the case.
Kilembe was banned by his government from travelling to Britain to review the boy's progress after 10 months with Madonna, 49, and husband Guy Ritchie.
The singer was told someone else would come to the UK to assess the family.
But The People can reveal a new person STILL hasn't been appointed - leaving distraught Madonna in limbo.
Kilembe said: "This means the whole adoption process may crumble and David may be sent back."
Malawian human rights lawyer Justin Dzonzi is also campaigning against the adoption.
He said: "If you are not a resident then you can't adopt."
But Jonathan Pearce, director of Adoption UK, says Madonna will be racked by guilt if David is taken back into care.
He said: "The adoptive parents will often feel at fault."
The crisis is believed to have caused tensions in Madonna's marriage to Guy, 38.
Asource said: "Madonna and Guy are very attached to David and the strain is taking its toll. What they're going through would test the strongest marriage."
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