By Leonard Masauli

Lilongwe, July 24, Mana: Scores of people living surrounding the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), government officials among other stakeholders gathered to witness the inauguration of the first block train carrying 640,000 litres of fuel from Nacala Port to Lilongwe in Malawi.

The inauguration marks exactly 21 years after such services came to a halt in 2003.

However, the revamp of the train operated by Central East African Railways and Nacala Logistics has made history for the first time, traveling 988 kilometres from Nacala in Mozambique, carrying 640,000 litres of oil to Malawi.

Secretary to President and Cabinet, who is also NOCMA Board Chairperson, Colleen Zamba said the inauguration of the block train was a dream come true for the country after 21 years.

“We are very excited as government but as the Board. Today, we have witnessed the first block train carrying 16 tanks docking at the reserves in Lilongwe. This reduces costs and coincides well with the President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s transformation agenda.

“This calls for Malawians to take good care of the infrastructure, as it is for the good of the country,” she said.

Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola said the development would improve availability of fuel and reduce on costs.

“These are the fruits from Chakwera’s visits to Mozambique, which he undertook after taking over the government,” he added.

Speaking at the same function, Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe said the development would improve on transportation access and boost industries in the country.

“Chakwera is a silent performer. He promised to revamp the rail transportation and today we are here to inaugurate. This is a big vision foe the National needs, aside the ATM strategy which talks of Agriculture, Tourism and Mining,” he pointed out.

NOCMA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Clement Kanyama said the restoration of the rail services would bring about efficiency in fuel transportation and ensure speedy delivery of goods in the country.

According to the General Manager for Nacala Logistics, Chandra Mohan Singh said in three months the train would bring 1 million to 4 million litres of fuel.

“We are happy to contribute to the growth of Malawi as Nacala logistics. We are planning electrify the rail as well as extending the rail services and connect with Zambia,” he said.