Contractor for the Bangula – Marka Railway Line is asking for about K28 billion more than the current K68.2 billion following an increase in the scope of works for the project.
Technical and Business Development Manager for Chinese Railway 20, Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba, attributed the change to climatic factors both during a protracted tendering stage and after the award of the contract.
Among other things, Mumba said several new streams have formed in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy requiring additional resources for the construction of bridges.
Part of the construction works
He was speaking during a visit to the project site in Nsanje by the Parliamentary Committee on Transport.
“We want a project that will stand the test of time and therefore, if there is a need for some changes, we are willing to support it,” said Chairperson for the Committee, Enoch Phale.
When complete, the 72-kilometre railway line will connect Malawi to the Beira Port in Mozambique which will ease importation costs of goods to Malawi.
Reported by Kumbukani Phiri
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