Govt commissions three newly re-manufactured Zambia railways locomotives

Brian Mushimba

Transport and Communication Minister Brian Mushimba has commissioned three newly re-manufactured Zambia railways locomotives which are part of a us$7.5 million.

Eng. Mushimba says the three remanufactured locomotives are the first to be delivered out of the 10 locomotives under a us$25 million contract between Zambia railways limited and SMH rail of Malaysia.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the three newly remanufactured locomotives in Kabwe Eng. Mushimba says the country will benefit from this investment by allowing the railway sector to play its role in the economy, contribute to prolonging the life of the roads, reduce road carnage levels as well as reduce air pollution.

Meanwhile, Eng. Mushimba has revealed that with a total of 10 locomotives under this project, Zambia railways will be able to increase its hauling capacity by an extra one million tons per year.

He has stated that the locomotives have been equipped with modern sophisticated equipment such as remote monitoring control system that enables one to monitor locomotive performance and location from anywhere using a computer screen or smart phone.

Eng. Mushimba says the addition of the three newly refurbished locomotives was a clear demonstration of government’s resolve to succeed in the implementation of the statutory instrument (SI) no.7 of 2018.

Si no.7 of 2018 makes it a legal requirement for all manufactures and suppliers of heavy and bulk cargo to transport a minimum of 30 per cent of their cargo by rail.

He says that the three locomotives that have been manufactured by SMF rail of Malaysia would complement those that have been sourced through other strategies such as the collaboration with Transnet of South Africa and Botswana rail.

Eng. Mushimba explained that the SI on bulk and heavy cargo is part of the broader programme by the government to optimize the transport sector and reduce the cost of doing business.

The minister notes that for a long period of time, investment in the railway sector by previous governments was minimal stressing that this resulted in a significant deterioration of the rolling stock and permanent way due to deferred maintenance.

He reiterated that the re-manufacturing of the locomotives is part of the patriotic front government’s broader aspirations through Zambia railways limited, to revive the operations of our railway systems by making available new rolling stock and a reliable permanent way.