The Government of Zambia has said the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) continues to serve as a backbone of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, as the railway marks 50 years of operation.
Speaking through the Director of Planning and Monitoring, Mr Stephen Mbewe, Ministry of Transport and Logistics Permanent Secretary, Eng. Fredrick Mwalusaka said it was encouraging that, after five decades, TAZARA is undergoing a major programme of revitalisation and transformation aimed at restoring operational efficiency.
He was speaking at the TAZARA@50 Corporate Golf Tournament cocktail and prize-giving ceremony, held at Lusaka Golf Club on Thursday evening.
Eng. Mwalusaka said the transport and logistics landscape had evolved considerably over the past five decades, with modern commerce now requiring efficient, reliable and competitive transport systems capable of supporting regional and continental economic growth.
He added that revitalisation efforts are critical if the railway sub-sector is to fully realise its strategic importance as a regional transport corridor linking the Port of Dar es Salaam in East Africa with Zambia and the wider Southern and Central African region.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing, represented by Counsellor of the Commercial and Economic Office Jin Jun, said TAZARA remains China’s largest completed foreign aid project.
Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Cyprian Luhemeja, said TAZARA was the result of sacrifices made by the founding fathers of Zambia, Tanzania and China, adding that their dreams should be respected and allowed to live on.
TAZARA Managing Director Bruno Ching’andu expressed confidence in the possible success of the railway’s rehabilitation process.
