Zambia Railways Seeking US$8 M to Renew Operations

Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Yamfwa Mukanga has disclosed that Zambia Railways was scouting for US$8 million to revamp infrastructure and ensure smooth operations of the railway sector in the country.

Mr. Mukanga told journalists in Livingstone that the railway company had informed government that it needed an additional US$8 million to revamp operations.

He said there will soon be a financial injection in the railway sector following discussion which the company and government have been having with some financiers.

“When we had the first discussion with Zambia Railways, they said they needed another 8 million dollars in order for everything to be revamped,” he said.

Mr. Mukanga said government was looking at projects which will contribute to the quick improvement of the sector.

He said Zambians will soon see some positive changes in the sector because the railway company recently procured some machinery using the Eurobond.
He said the company bought two big units tamping machines which are used to straighten the railway line.
The minister said the straightening of the railway line will contribute to increasing the speed of trains thereby improving operations and quickening the transportation of goods.

And Mr. Mukanga has disclosed that former Zambia Railways Chief Executive Officer Muyenga Atanga did not voluntarily resign from his position but was fired by the board.

He stated that Professor Atanga was fired on May 29th 2015 by the board but he decided to write a letter on 31st May stating that he had resigned.

The minister explained that the board had indicated that it was not satisfied with Prof. Atanga’s performance and that there were suspected financial irregularities involved in his leadership.

Mr. Mukanga said no railway project will be affected by the departure of Prof. Atanga noting that the board will soon find a replacement.

Two days ago, Prof. Atanga announced his resignation as Managing Director of Zambia Railways partly stating he was not working well with the board.