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Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba (Picture by Albert Mpezeni
Government has issued a Statutory Instrument that makes it mandatory for all transporters of bulk and heavy cargo to transport 30% of their cargo using rail.
Speaking when he signed the SI in Lusaka, Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba says the implementation of the quota system will lead to the preservation of the road infrastructure.
Mr. Mushimba says the Government through his ministry will set up a Monitoring and Evaluation Team to monitor compliance.
He says the team will work closely with other stakeholders such as the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Zambia Weights and Measures Agency, Central Chambers of Mines and the Zambia Association of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) to ensure that any transporter acting in defiance to the SI is brought to book.
Mr. Mushimba says currently, the rail sub-sector has a minute market share of 5% to 8% compared to road with 92% to 95% out of which only 2% is handled by the Zambian transporters.
The Minister says this huge discrepancy in the performance has impacted negatively on the rail sub-sector leading to the decrease in the revenue generated resulting in deferred maintenance of the permanent way and rolling stock.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia Railways Limited Board Chairperson Lubinda Linyama says the company is confident that the move which has been long overdue will help in revitalizing the railway sector.
And Zambia Railways Limited Acting Chief Executive Officer Christopher Musonda says the company is expected to transport over 1.3 million tonnes of cargo via railway this year alone compared to the 750,000 tonnes transported in 2017.