Marka-Bangula Railway Project in Malawi Set to Resume After Contractor Payment
Hara made this announcement on Thursday after inspecting the construction works and the Nyamithuthu Slippers Production Site in Nsanje.
Nsanje, Malawi-Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, announced that the construction of the 72-kilometre Marka-Bangula railway line project will soon recommence following the payment of an initial K5 billion to the contractor, China Railway 20 Bureau, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Hara made this announcement on Thursday after inspecting the construction works and the Nyamithuthu Slippers Production Site in Nsanje.
He acknowledged that the project had experienced delays due to various factors, including payment issues and the impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
"The contractor CR20 has received payment, and the project is set to resume in September 2023," he confirmed.
Hara also stated that once completed, the Beira Corridor would serve as a vital transportation route for the country.
However, he clarified that railway transport would not supersede road transport.
Instead, it would complement it by carrying more cargo, which would subsequently be transported by trucks after offloading.
"The train will transport a greater number of wagons with more cargo, necessitating the use of trucks for onward transportation of the goods," he explained.
Ramuzan Mohammed Juma, Member of Parliament for Nsanje South, expressed optimism about the completion of the railway line, noting that it would help reduce the cost of commodities in the country.
"Railway transport is more cost-effective and capable of carrying larger cargo volumes compared to other modes," MP Juma stated.
Vitumbuko Mumba, Business and Technical Development Manager for CR20, had previously cited the disruption caused by tropical cyclone Freddy as a significant setback to the project.
"The damages resulting from the cyclone's effects had a detrimental impact on the construction work," Mumba explained.
Originally slated for completion by December 2023, the Marka-Bangula railway project now faces an extended timeline, with completion expected by December 2024 due to the challenges encountered during construction.