Reported by Robert Nayeja
President Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed his commitment to revamp the rail transportation networks which were neglected by the previous administrations.
Chakwera was speaking on Wednesday at Marka Border Railway Station when he received the inaugural fuel train carrying 1.2 million petroleum products from Beira, Mozambique.
President Chakwera said the resumption of the railway line in the country will help to enhance the socio-economic development of the country.
“Most people were doubting that my administration will revamp the railway line. I am glad today that this railway line is functional,” he added.
He said last month the train carrying fuel arrived in Lilongwe after suspension of such services for 21 years.
“What I said on September 4, 2020, has come true. Today I am witnessing the arrival of a train here at Marka carrying fuel after 41 years,” he said.
On this note, Chakwera asked communities to be patient as his administration is committed to implement long lasting developments in the country.
He also hailed president of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi for the cordial relationship between the countries.
Chakwera also advised people in Nsanje to live in peace with people from Mozambique.
Minister of Transport, Jacob Hara said the arrival of the train is a milestone in transport infrastructure development.
Hara said the railway line will help to reduce the cost of transport for goods and services in the country, noting: “50 percent of the cost of products transports.”
He said the railway line project will have a positive impact to rural masses as the price of goods will go down.
Board Chairperson for National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), Colleen Zamba said the revival of the railway line makes a transformation milestone for the economic development of the country.
Zamba who is also Secretary to President and Cabinet, said the arrival of the train will help to improve fuel delivery in the country.
“The cost of importing fuel and other petroleum products will be reduced as railway transport is cheaper compared with road transport,” said Zamba.
Traditional Authority Ndamera praised the current administration for implementing developmental projects in all areas regardless of regions.
He said the arrival of the train is historic as people in the district thought the railway line will never resurface.
In his remarks, Member of Parliament for Nsanje South, Ramzan Juma said the arrival of the train will accelerate economic opportunities in the district.
The parliamentarian said the train would open up both large and small-scale businesses in the district
