By 
Zambia, Tanzania and China have signed the long-awaited TAZARA Revitalisation Project Agreements, marking a major milestone after more than a year and a half of negotiations.
The US$1.4 billion project would inject fresh life into the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), with US$1.1 billion set aside as initial investment and US$238 million earmarked for reinvestments.
The revitalisation programme will cover rehabilitation of the track from Dar-es-Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi, overhaul of major workshops, maintenance of the existing line, and procurement of 34 new locomotives, 16 passenger coaches and 760 wagons.
In a statement issued on Monday, Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, said the project represents more than railway restoration, describing it as “a vision of regional integration, economic growth and shared prosperity.”
Read more: Govt dismisses rumours of job losses at TAZARA, as concessionaire set to take over operations
“This agreement is about giving farmers, traders and industries a lifeline that connects them to markets across borders and beyond,” he said. “It is also about creating opportunities for young people, building TAZARA’s capacity and strengthening the bonds of friendship among nations,” he added.
Tayali urged all stakeholders to ensure that the agreements translated into “tangible progress and visible impact.”
Tanzania’s Minister of Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, welcomed the deal, noting its potential to create jobs and boost economic activity in both countries.
Meanwhile, China Railways Construction Corporation (CRCC) chairman, Dai Hegen, highlighted the company’s track record on the continent, citing the Ethiopia–Djibouti railway and the construction of the TAZARA Memorial Park among other projects.
CRCC is the same Chinese firm that originally built TAZARA between 1970 and 1976.
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