The Railways Systems of Zambia (RSZ) has this year earmarked US$ 11 million for investment in improving railway infrastructure in the country.
RSZ Deputy General Manger for corporate affairs, David Phiri said the money will be invested in the rehabilitation of old machinery, freight wagons, locomotives, purchasing of vehicles and replacement of concentrate rail slippers among others.
Mr. Phiri added that another US$ 1 million will be invested on Information communication technology) ICT) in a bid to improve the tracking system.
He said this in Kabwe today when Communication and Transport Minister, Dora Siliya toured RSZ and the Zambia Railways Limited (ZR).
Mr. Phiri said RSZ is working on modalities with its shareholders on how the institution can continue investing in railway infrastructure without being affected by the raising oil prices on the international market.
He however called on government to consider reducing duty on rail way equipment adding that the current duty had a negative impact on the company’s operations.
Meanwhile Ms Siliya has implored the managements’ of RSZ and ZR to develop a relationship and create an atmosphere of understanding between the two companies in order for them to effectively operate the railways system in the country.
Ms Siliya said she has learnt with great concern on how the two companies have continued to cause unnecessary tension on its operations and among the workers.
She said the two companies need to fully understand the concession and contract agreements and support each other in running and maintaining railway infrastructure which she described as deteriorating.
Ms Siliya stated that there was no need for railway infrastructure to continue been in a bad state when there are necessary authorities that can rehabilitate them.
She said most Zambians still prefer railway transport as the best mode of transport .
The Minister has since urged the two companies to strive to work hard and re-invest in infrastructure in order to bring back the glory of the railway systems in the country.
And Ms Siliya implored ZR to expeditiously deal with the scrap metal lying idle at its premises.
She said officials from her ministry and management of ZR must quickly come up with a decision whether to sell or auction the scrap metal before it is completely vandalized.
Earlier ZR Director of Finance, Regina Mwale asked government to consider allocating part of the concession fees from RSZ for re-investment in rail infrastructure.
Ms Mwale said since 2004, ZR has not received money from the concession fees which RSZ remits, which goes direct to the ministry of Finance.
She explained that the company which has a working staff of 26 , survives on revenue derived from the assets and properties which have been leased.
ZANIS/YK/MK/ENDS
onother development. hope this wont end on papper only. Ms D Siliya this is your tym to leave a foot mark afta the other western province project failled. make us proud. viva Ms D Siliya
#1. The problem we have in Zambia is that people just make promises just to impress the visitor or minister. Once the minister goes, thats the end of the story. Why can’t there be a follow-up on what these so called investors say. Thats why I liked sata because ena avoma ukubwelelako and make sure you do what you promised.
#2 Is not the lask of accountability? Politicians know they can make empty promises and not held accountable.All parliament is very weak and just wait for audits, instead of taking such utternaces serious and holding the person accountable to the promise.Do not blame the pipo blame the system, thats needs overhaul.Instead of playing watchdog, parly has just become a player in the whole governance system. What do you think?
#2 Is it not the lask of accountability? Politicians know they can make empty promises and not held accountable.All parliament is very weak and just wait for audits, instead of taking such utternaces serious and holding the person accountable to the promise.Do not blame the pipo blame the system, thats needs overhaul.Instead of playing watchdog, parly has just become a player in the whole governance system. What do you think?
RSZ: Action speaks louder than words.No point in making lengthy speeches about railway infrastructure development and so and so forth whilst your own workers say you have diversified from your core business of operating rolling stock to import/selling of cement. And when someone in ZR points out the anomalies Madam minister Dora CALLS IT TENSION. It is not tension it is called holding the bull by its horns. Facing the problem squarely. Telling off the culprit in the face whilst you look him in the eye.A fancy phrase for this is follow through and iteration.
We need to save the railways from whoever is running it now. I can’t help but notice a complete plunder of our once well run railways. The concessions have not worked to expectetions. Govt needs a complete rethink on the way forward.
11 million dollar investment is welcome as a start, but there seems to be more wrong with the strategies being pursued. Hon. Minister please do something to save the railway company, Your ministry is not exempt from the blame. An efficient railway help reduce the cost of transportation in the economy.
Once worked for ZR.
I think we’ve heard enough of this RSZ infrasture development issue. Can the guys please get to work and develop the railway infrasture urgently. They dont seem to be serious with this issue.I wonder what they are waiting for because they are currently losing revenue due to the fact that the mines dont trust this mode of transport and have substituted it with road.
RSZ IS STABLE
What tonnage do you move per day do your passanger trains run on time.
Why does thsi GRZ accept incompetence and poor performance by Zambia Railways? We should be running it 1000 times better by now given the greateer need for economic transport as a result of high fuel bills.