By Wezzie Gausi:
The government has unveiled the National Transport Master Plan, which seeks to modernise Malawi’s transport network by improving roads, railways, air and water transport.
The plan places strong emphasis on reviving the railway system as the government moves to shift bulk cargo from roads to rail and inland waterways to cut costs, reduce road damage and boost trade efficiency.
Transport and Public Works Minister Feston Kaupa told Parliament on Wednesday that the master plan was premised on preserving the country’s ageing road infrastructure by promoting alternative modes of transport.
He said the government was investing heavily in the rehabilitation of railway lines to make the transition possible.
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“The ultimate goal is to connect the Northern Region to the Tazara line to open Malawi to broader regional markets,” Kaupa said, adding that feasibility studies are under way and discussions are ongoing with potential financiers.
Kaupa said the Marka-Bangula Railway Project, which involves the rehabilitation of a 72-kilometre (km) line from the border at Marka to Bangula, has reached 68 percent completion, with 26km already operational between Marka and Nsanje.
He said the project would strengthen regional trade by linking Malawi to the Port of Nacala in Mozambique through the Sena Corridor.
He added that the government had revived the Nkaya-Lilongwe line, which is now transporting coal and other key commodities such as fuel and fertiliser.
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Rehabilitation works are also progressing on the Kanengo-Chipata section to improve trade connectivity with Zambia.
“The government will introduce legislation compelling transporters to move bulk cargo by rail or water where possible,” Kaupa said.
“This will reduce congestion, cut fuel costs and help extend the lifespan of major highways that have suffered from the constant movement of heavy trucks,” he added.
He said the heavy use of roads for cargo has increased maintenance costs at a time Road Fund Administration has been struggling due to irregular remittance of the fuel levy.
Mzimba South West Member of Parliament Khumbo Kachale backed the government’s move, describing it as a long-overdue intervention to protect the country’s transport infrastructure.
