Government has outlined plans to stimulate and revamp the country’s railway transport sector, citing rail as a proven game changer in reducing transport costs and driving economic growth.
In an interview with #MBCDigital, Geoffrey Magwede, Director of the Department of Railways in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, said the focus on rail transport is deliberate, given its potential to transform the sector.
To complement these efforts, government has operationalised the Malawi Railways Company, which is set to reclaim its lost glory by expanding rail reach and rehabilitating ageing infrastructure.
Magwede noted, however, that for these efforts to succeed, the general public must stop vandalising rail equipment and disobeying rail regulations.
He emphasised that this is critical to halting the recent surge in rail accidents.
Nacala Logistics has since called for a united approach to tackling rail accidents and theft.
Community Relations Manager for Nacala Logistics, Towela Ng’ambi, revealed that over 30 rail accidents have been recorded this year alone, some of which have resulted in loss of life.
She said the company, in partnership with government, has intensified awareness campaigns on the importance of respecting rail regulations.
Encroachment on rail land remains a significant challenge, with people erecting structures on rail lines in some areas.
By Geoffrey Chinawa
