By Yankho Kandio

On Monday, Salima, November 19, Mana: Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, underscored the need to adhere to railway safety rules and regulations to prevent accidents.

Hara made the remarks on Monday at Police Ground in Salima district, during the launch of Railway Safety Week, emphasizing that people need to respect rules governing railways and trains.

"Many accidents that occurred last year could have been avoided through awareness and compliance," he said.

Hara highlighted the importance of safety measures for pedestrians, drivers, and passengers who try to alter railway systems.

"We are intensifying awareness of the dangers of trains and building along railway lines. The rules and regulations should never be ignored, and anyone found constructing a long railway will be penalized," he said.

The Minister further called for collective action, urging all stakeholders to play their role in creating a safer environment around the country’s railway networks.

On this point, Hara revealed that government aims to expand and modernize the national rail network.

 "This investment will not only improve safety but also enhance efficiency, connectivity, and economic growth across the country," He said.

Central East African Railways (CEAR) Social and Community Relations Manager, Towera Ng’ambi, said they have intensified their efforts in sensitizing the communities on railway safety and regulations.

“We have also established Railway safety clubs in all primary schools along the railway line which help in sensitizing their fellow students in schools and at home about railway safety and regulations,” she added.

Ng’ambi also emphasized on collective responsibility in the communities to protect and safeguard rail materials saying replacing vandalized infrastructure is costly and impacts negatively on the country’s development.

The Ministry of Transport and Public Works through Malawi Railways 1994 Limited (MR94) is a member of Southern African Railways Association (SARA) at its first SARA Board of Directors meeting held in 2019 resolved to spare a week to commemorate railway safety.

This year's theme is "Love life, respect trains," an initiative that is part of ongoing efforts to reduce railway-related accidents and foster a culture of safety across Malawi.