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Construction of Zambia's new railway line set to start

Xinhua, February 16, 2017 Adjust font size:

Construction of a new railway line in northwestern Zambia is set to start after the acquisition of equipment and other materials required, the project's proponent said on Wednesday.

Enock Kavindele, the chairman of North West Rail Company said construction works will commence soon after the firm spent 12 million U.S. dollars on the acquisition of equipment and other materials ahead of commencement of construction works.

The official, who also served as Zambia's vice-president during late President Fredrick Chiluba's administration, told reporters in Lusaka, the country's capital that construction of the first stretch which will run from Chingola town on the Copperbelt Province to Solwezi in the northwestern part was expected to take 18 months from the date of commencement.

The official, who was speaking when he flagged off the dispatch of 20 Land Rover pickups meant for the project, assured that all was set for the construction of the railway line which will also connect the northwestern Zambia to Angola.

The project requires 1.2 billion dollars and has been financed by the African Development Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

Last year, the official said the Zambian government had expressed willingness to take a 30 percent stake of equity shares in the company. Endit