Zambia parliament questions around the temporary suspension of the Mulobezi Train
The temporary suspension of the Mulobezi Train, a critical link between Mulobezi and Livingstone Districts, has been placed under scrutiny by the Zambian Parliament.
Hon. Raphael Mabenga, recently queried the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Museba Frank Tayali, on the current state of the train’s operations, the unaddressed maintenance needs of the Bombwe Bridge, the potential involvement of the Zambia National Service in the bridge’s reconstruction, and overall plans for the rehabilitation of the Mulobezi Railway Line.
The government, recognizing the severe impact of the suspension on Mulobezi’s residents, revealed that the situation was temporary and essential for safeguarding lives due to the compromised structural integrity of the Bombwe Bridge. A consultant has been engaged to evaluate the bridge and make recommendations for the existing and replacement bridge, allowing the train services to resume.
Despite funding constraints, the government has through Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) continued to maintain short-term mitigation measures to sustain train operations on the Mulobezi Railway Line while awaiting funds to rehabilitate the bridge. The impending bridge work will be open for competitive tender, with local bidders including the Zambia National Service welcome to participate.
A promising plan is in place to rehabilitate the entire Mulobezi Railway Line alongside the planned restoration of the Zambia Railway Limited mainline from Livingstone to Chingola. The government has already allocated over ZMW 8 million between 2022 and 2023 to address critical areas of the Mulobezi line and carry out maintenance works.
Additionally, ZRL has received a ZMW 27 million as a grant from the government to support consultancy and rehabilitation of the existing Bombwe Bridge. This effort ensures the continuity of train operations and facilitates the construction of a replacement bridge, providing a long-term solution to the area’s transportation needs.
