By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, September 13, Mana: National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has dismissed social media reports that the inaugural train that arrived on Wednesday at Marka border in Nsanje district carried molasses.
NOCMA Public Relations Officer, Raymond Likambale said the allegations are baseless because the company deals with petroleum products and gas.
“We are guided by the policy and our mandate is to deal with petroleum products and gas. Let me make it clear that the train which was inaugurated by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera was fully loaded with fuel.
“The trucks loaded with fuel are in transit to deliver fuel at Matindi Oil Reserve,” he added.
He said over 20 trucks have left Nsanje to Matindi Depot and expressed optimism that the consignment will be finalized by this coming Saturday.
He, therefore, asked communities to love their country and stop spreading false information.
Senior Chief Chimombo described the allegations as useless as people from Nsanje witnessed the transfer of fuel from the train to trucks.
Chimombo, therefore, asked people to appreciate Chakwera’s administration for revamping the railway as it will open up economic opportunities in the district and the country at large.
Malawi Congress Party Publicity Secretary, Jessie Kabwila described the allegations as cheap propaganda from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Kabwila, however, asked the DPP to stop politicizing developments in the country.
“Traditional leaders, communities and the media are all here to witness offloading of fuel from the train to tankers,” said Kabwila.
She, therefore, encouraged communities to work closely with the MCP-led government for continued development in the country.
“We heard reports that the opposition is accusing the State President for visiting lower Shire. People from the lower Shire are also Malawians and the President did not make any mistake to visit the lower Shire,” she added.
The train carrying 1.2 million petroleum products was inaugurated by President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday at Marka Border Station in Nsanje.
