Lawmaker claims TAZARA workers owed 4 months salary, urges govt to expedite concession process

A lawmaker, Francis Kapyanga, has called on the government to expedite the concession process for TAZARA.

Kapyanga said this should be the long-term solution to address the systemic challenges facing the railway authority.

The Mpika Constituency Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament said this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday.

“A well-managed concession arrangement has the potential to inject new capital, expertise, and efficiency into TAZARA,” he noted.

Kapyanga added that this would also be ensuring its sustainability and continued contribution to the regional economy.

“I am deeply concerned with the prolonged salary arrears faced by the hardworking employees of Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority,” the Lawmaker said.

He expressed concern with the fact that TAZARA workers had been enduring four months of unpaid wages, a situation that was both unacceptable and unjust.

Kapyanga noted that TAZARA had long been a vital artery of transportation and commerce, linking the country and facilitating regional trade.

“The commitment and labor of its workforce are the backbone of this vital institution, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

Kapyanga urged the government to take immediate action to rectify this dire situation by disbursing the outstanding salaries owed to TAZARA workers without further delay.

He stated that these individuals and their families depend on these wages for their livelihoods and the continued delay only exacerbates their financial hardships.

“I stand in solidarity with TAZARA workers in their rightful demand for fair treatment and timely payment of their wages,” Kapyanga said.

He assured the TAZARA workers that he would continue to advocate for their interests and work tirelessly to ensure that they receive the support and recognition they deserve.

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