Zambia to improve rail connections with DRC

Date: 3/1/2012

The Zambian government is aiming to improve the rail network used to transport goods between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

It has ordered Railway Systems of Zambia and the Tanzania-Zambia Railways Authority to make their services to and from DRC more efficient, the Times of Zambia reports.

The country has increased its production of maize and as a result, a more reliable railway system is required to deliver the commodity.

Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga said: "We want to ensure that there is enough capacity for the railway companies to be efficient, especially transportation of goods between Zambia and the DRC."

Cargo volumes between the two nations are also on the up and it is believed an improved train system could help to deal with this.

Last month, Egyptian Transport Minister Dr Galal al Saeed announced an investigation is being conducted into the country's transport network before proposals are introduced that could see ports in the Red Sea and Mediterranean linked by new roads and railways between Sokhna and Al Dekhaila.

Posted by Nick Anderson