Zambia Railways suspends operations of Mulobezi passenger train service

Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) has temporarily suspended the operations of Mulobezi Passenger train service from Livingstone to Mulobezi and vice versa

The suspension has been necessitated by the unsafe condition of Bombwe Bridge, which needs urgent repair works for the safe passage of the train and passengers, according to company Public Relations Manager, Sombe Ng’onga.

Ng’onga in a statement issued in Kabwe on Wednesday said government has since allocated a budget of K27million towards the rehabilitation of the Bombwe Bridge.

She said upon receiving the funds, ZRL immediately commenced the procurement process of engaging a Consultant.

“The Consultant has to assess the existing operational bridge and recommend remedial measures to be implemented in the short term to sustain train operations as well as assess the replacement of the bridge and determine whether ZRL could build on the existing structures or not,” Ng’onga said.

She said the process has since been completed with the Attorney General clearing the execution of the contract with the Consultant who is expected to move on site to carry out the assessments in the week beginning 5th June, 2023.

Ng’onga said the assessments by the Consultant is estimated to take about 3 weeks after which ZRL will be in a position to advise the timelines for the actual repairs and maintenance works.

“ZRL would like to assure the passengers and members of the public that the team of ZRL Engineers and the Consultant are working round the clock to ensure that the works are completed at the earliest time possible,” she said.

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