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The European Union (EU) Delegation on Railways says it stands ready to help Zambia invest in the rail sector which has not performed as it should due to under investment in the past.

Speaking when the delegation paid a courtesy call on Transport and Logistics Minister, Hon Frank Tayali, Delegation leader and Director General for International Partnerships Henric Hololei said modernization and competitiveness of Zambia Railways is a very important issue if you relate it to the aspect of separation of infrastructure and operations.

Mr Hololei noted that railway transport is one of the most reliable and most sustainable modes of transport.
He commended government for the Lobito corridor which he described as a game changer for Zambia, stating that it will allow the country to have access to the Atlantic costs as well as the export and import routes.

“The discussion is focused on how we can work together and share our expertise. Europe is leading when it comes to rail transport and manufacturing. We would like to see that the expertise that we have is shared with Zambia in helping to modernize the rail sector,” Mr Hololei said.

And in response Mr. Tayali said there is need to bring about reforms in the rail subsector that will make it easy for the private sector to come on board and partner with the public sector in investing in rail infrastructure projects.
The Minister also thanked the EU for the technical assistance offered.

“We are very grateful that you are offering technical assistance that we could be on the same page in terms of what needs to be done and help us to actualize this particular ambition,” he said.

Mr. Tayali was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Fredrick Mwalusaka, Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board Chairperson Mr. Emmanuel Hachipuka, ZRL Acting Managing Director, Mr. Godfrey Fumbeshi and other senior ZRL and government officials.

Further, the EU delegation toured Lusaka Railway Station to familiarize with the operations of the company.