By 
Government says Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) failed to procure locomotives or wagons in 10 years, as firm collects revenue amounting to K2.3 billion.
Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, said 27 refurbished passenger carriages were however procured during the same period, each costing US$629,629.65.
Tayali indicated that the government had planned to procure additional trains including electric trains.
The minister stated that the plans would be implemented once government concluded engagements with strategic partners to finance the recapitalisation of ZRL.
“ZRL did not procure any locomotives or wagons for the carriage of cargo between 2011 and 2021,” he said.
With reference to procurement of electric trains, Tayali said government would pursue this option once ZRL rehabilitated its railway line to attain average train speeds of 80-100km/h.
He highlighted that during the 10 years period under review, the company collected revenue amounting to K2.3 billion.
The minister, claimed that cargo revenue accounted for K2.2 billion, while passenger revenue stood at K1 million.
He added that during the same period, about 1,265 direct jobs were created and over 500 indirect jobs through cooperatives formed to undertake maintenance works on the line of rail.
Tayali was responding to a question from Lubansenshi Constituency Member of Parliament, Kabwe Chewe, on Tuesday in Parliament on how many goods and passenger trains Zambia Railways Limited procured between 2011 and 2021.
Read More:Zambia Railways needs $1 billion for rehabilitation, Tayali tells Parliament
Chewe sought to know what the cost of each train was and how much money was generated from the operations of the trains during the period above.
“Whether the government has any plans to procure additional locomotive trains, including electric trains and if so, when the plans will be implemented,” he asked.
Chewe also wanted to know how many people were employed during the period under review.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments