By Isaac Zulu
Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali says the partners in TAZARA are working towards ensuring full involvement of China in the operations of the company.
And Central Province minister Credo Nanjuwa has called for renewed discussions for the recapitalisation of TAZARA.
Speaking when he officiated at the commemoration of the 47th anniversary of TAZARA in Kapiri Mposhi, Tayali observed that TAZARA’s operations are not satisfactory , hence the need to address this challenge so that the railway company can contribute significantly to the economic growth of and development of the shareholding countries.
“Over the years, TAZARA has faced numerous challenges, both internal and external. Yet, it has demonstrated resilience, adaptability and commitment. We would like TAZARA to evolve into a modern and efficient and reliable transportation system, contributing significantly to the economic growth of and development of our respective countries including paying their operational costs and salaries,” Tayali explained. “The strong ties and cooperation amongst the three countries have been instrumental in the growth and success of TAZARA. TAZARA must evolve, innovate and adapt to the changing dynamics of the global transportation industry. The railway company must remain competitive, customer-focused and environmentally sustainable.”
He said there is need to expedite the revitalization and recapitalization of TAZARA, saying the matter is currently being attended to by technocrats.
“Most importantly it is critical that we expedite our discussions on how TAZARA will be revitalized and recapitalized, going forward. As you know our Heads of State have already given directives on how the future of TAZARA should be structured, with the full involvement of our Chinese counterparts. The matter is currently in the hands of technocrats, who I believe should soon be concluding their consultations before the end of July 2023 in readiness for discussions with our counterparts from China.”
The minister also urged TAZARA management to continue investing in the professional development of its employees, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to meet evolving demands of the industry and the globe.
And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui said that TAZARA should not remain a monument, saying that the railway company needs revitalization so that it can continue contributing to the social and economic development of both Tanzania and Zambia and, ultimately; help achieve sustainable development in the SADC region.
Ambassador Du says Chinese government will work with both the Zambian and Tanzanian governments to set up a China-Zambia-Tanzania working group as soon as possible whose first meeting should focus on the re-activation of TAZARA.
Du stressed that TAZARA should not remain as a monument but that the railway company should be revitalized for it to optimally continue contributing to the social and economic development of both Tanzania and Zambia and ultimately help achieve sustainable development in the SADC and COMESA regions.
He called for the enhanced pace at implementation of the various pacts and consensuses reached among the shareholding countries and translate the political will of the respective heads of states into practical actions.
The Chinese Ambassador stated that the shareholding countries should also embrace recent changes and keep TAZARA updated to make it an important transportation channel in the region.
“To follow political leadership during a phone conversation with President Hakainde Hichilema President Xi Jinping stressed that both sides should carry forward the TAZARA spirit keep it updated in accordance with the changes of the times and make TAZARA an important transportation channel in the region. President Hakainde Hichilema also proposed the plans to build New Kapiri Mposhi the starting point of TAZARA and the important nerve of the Zambian railway into a regional land connection hub and dry port. So as to provide a new fundamental for the social economic development of Central Province and Zambia,” said Xiaohui.
And Central Province Minister Credo Nanjuwa has asked for the renewal of discussions for the recapitalization of Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles.
Nanjuwa explained that Central Province has been home to many Chinese investments in various sectors that include mining and mineral processing, agriculture and agro-processing as well as manufacturing.
Nanjuwa said that the Chinese government has demonstrated commitment to strengthen the relationship between the Zambia and China.
He said that China has been an all-weather friend to Zambia has provided direct benefits to the people of Central province.
“Most importantly, Central Province is host to the Jiang Xi Multi Facility Economic Zone, which is nearing completion and is expected to contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product of Central Province and create jobs for the local people,” said Nanjuwa.
