By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, August 31, Mana: Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara has disclosed that government will rehabilitate all railway lines in the country to resume rail transport network as was the case in the past.

During inspection of construction work on Nsanje-Bangula-Marka rail line on Thursday, the minister said the rail transport will facilitate transportation of goods into Malawi from neighbouring countries.

“This government is committed to make sure that all means of transport are improved to facilitate the movement of goods in and out of the country.

He said was impressed with progress work on Bangula-Marka railway line adding that this is the beginning of rail rehabilitation in other parts of the country to ensure smooth movement of rail cargo and passengers. 

“I am impressed with the progress of railway construction works at Bangula- Marka railway. This railway has been given the capacity to load heavier goods than the railway line we had. Government plans that all railway lines should be revamped and be in operation,” he said.

He said the project stalled for a few months but all the challenges that were there have been addressed, adding the contractor has also been paid part of the money and is back on site

The Minister also praised the contractor for setting up slipper production plant in the district which has created jobs for some people in Nsanje.

“Out of 70 people employed at the slipper production plant site only one is Chinese while the rest are Malawians and this means that people will be able to get something at the end of the month,” he said.

Recently Nsanje District Commissioner, Dominic Mwandira said once the railway is completed a lot of people will find economic opportunities.

He also expressed hope that prices of some commodities are likely to come down in the boarder district as the railway transportation is cheaper than road.

Mana/rcn/ewc/sbn