MW, MOZA STRENGTHENS RAILWAY SYSTEM

 The countries of Malawi and Mozambique have engaged each other in rehabilitating the railway lines which for long time has linked the two countries as a way of reviving the mode of transport.

The project, will in other scenario help in softening transportation cost in Malawi which is currently high among all Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)  countries.

According to Malawi ministry of transport statistics, the average cost for rail and road transport is as high as 10 dollars per tonne than 7 dollars per tonne which is a recommended cost in the region.

On Malawi side, the rehabilitation of the railway line will be from Limbe to Sadama and also from Marka in Nsanje to Bangula in Chikwawa by joint efforts between Central and East Africa Railway (CEAR) and Malawi government respectively.

According to Malawi ministry of transport spokesperson Andrew Mthiko, some processes have already began in ensuring that the future of the project is intact and impressive.

He said, :"We have started the procurement process by tendering out and people have submitted bids. We are evaluating the bids and we expect that by the end of this month a consultant will be identified. "

"some processes have alreadt began"-Mthiko

On Mozambique side, the rehabilitation of the line will be via Sena Line through the Mutarara-Vila Nova de Fronteira and Vila Nova da Fronteira -Bangula branch.

Mozambican minister of transport and communications Janfar Abdulai said they are also on the move in ensuring the progress of the project.

He said, :"Funds are being raised through traditional international cooperation partners to furnish the project. The second phase of the project would see the Beira-Lilongwe section being established. "

"funds are being raised"-Abdulai

The branch line is 115 Kilometres long, of which 44 Kilometres are on the Mozambican side between Dona Ana and Vila Nova da Fronteira, and the remaining 71 Kilometres on the stretch from Vila Nova da Fronteira to Nsanje-Bangula in Malawi.

The intention behind connecting the Sena Line, between Mutarana and Bangula, is to easily export Sugare to the European market through the port of Beira.

Sugar is in the top five of Malawi exports and the European Union is it's main export partner with almost 50 percent of exports. on the other hand, Mozambique Sugar confectionery accumulated to about 91.4 million dollars in 2019.

Mozambique injects USD30m

The resumption of the rail link follows the understandings between the Mozambican President, Filipe Nyusi, and his Malawian counterpart, Lazarus Chakwera, in October, when the two leaders met in Tete.

The official signing of the Memorandum of understanding (MoU) after the two leaders met, was done in Beira by Mozambique's Minister of Transport and Communications, Janfar Abdulai and Malawi's Minister of Transport and Public Works, Sidik Mia.