Delayed Marka-Bangula Railway Project Faces Further Setbacks
An additional 22 billion Kwacha is now required to ensure the railway project's successful completion.
NSANJE, Malawi — Residents of Nsanje are in for an extended wait as the completion of the 72-kilometer Marka-Bangula railway line project faces unexpected delays due to a series of challenges that have hampered construction efforts, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Principal Secretary for the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), Collen Zamba, addressed the situation on Thursday during an inspection of the construction site in the district.
Zamba explained, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the contractor, China Railway 20 Bureau Corporation Limited, has had to redesign the works. The initial design had to be altered to accommodate the current situation following the devastations caused by tropical cyclone Freddy."
While the cyclone's impact was a significant factor, Zamba also cited funding delays for the contractor as a contributing cause.
However, she promptly dismissed any connection between the project's setback and the recent fuel crisis gripping the nation.
Zamba stated, "All contractors involved in large-scale projects are given priority access to the materials required for their construction works."
The delay was corroborated by Engineer Vitumbuko Mumba, Business and Technical Development Manager for CR20, who acknowledged the project's vulnerability to cyclones Ana and Freddy.
Mumba elaborated, "Cyclone Freddy inflicted extensive damage, leading to the widening of some rivers and the creation of new ones, necessitating modifications to the project plan."
Highlighting a financial challenge, Mumba noted that the initially allocated 68 billion Kwacha was insufficient.
An additional 22 billion Kwacha is now required to ensure the railway project's successful completion.
Originally slated for operational status by November or December this year, the Marka-Bangula railway line project, with an initial timeline of 18 months, now faces an uncertain future as it navigates these hurdles.