PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, WORKS AND SUPPLY CONCLUDES TOUR OF ZAMBIA RAILWAYS LIMITED
The Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Works and Supply has successfully concluded its tour of Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL), a visit aimed at assessing the operations, challenges, and progress of the railway company.
The committee’s tour, which took place from 19th May to 28th May 2025 was marked by fruitful interactions, site visits, and valuable insights into the operations of ZRL.
Led by the Chairperson, Hon. Mubika Mubika and his Vice Chairperson Hon. Joel Chibuye, the committee engaged with ZRL Management and employees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the railway company.
The Committee focused on key areas including the state of the railway infrastructure, rolling stock, service delivery, encroachments and vandalism and other safety measures, and the overall strategic direction of the company.
In his remarks, Hon. Mubika emphasized the need for ZRL to be revamped to enhance rail transport in the country.
“Our visit has provided us with a clearer picture of the challenges facing Zambia Railways and the vital role it plays in national transport and economic development. As a Committee working with other stakeholders,we shall ensure that we do our best to assist Zambia Railways Limited,” said Hon. Mubika
Meanwhile Hon. Chibuye said it is evident that, while the company is making efforts to address challenges, there are still significant hurdles to address, particularly in terms of infrastructure, railway land encroachments and vandalism of railway materials as well as funding.
“We recognize the critical importance of rail transport in facilitating trade, movement of people as well as reducing congestion on roads” said Hon. Chibuye
During the tour, the Committee Members visited various facilities, including railway stations, Workshops designed for repair of locomotives and wagons, encroached sites, customer railway sidings as well as the Victoria Falls Bridge, where they observed the urgent need to address the challenges as well as cease the opportunities that lie within the railway company.
And ZRL Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi led the Management team and further presented the current state of the infrastructure and rolling stock as well as the opportunities and interventions been made for the company to stay afloat.
Mr Malindi informed the Committee that in order to address the rolling stock capacity constraints, ZRL has hired locomotives to beef up its fleet.
Further, he added that the company is in the process of rehabilitating some locomotives at its Main Workshop in Kabwe.
The Committee also held a roundtable discussion with Management providing them with a platform to voice their insights and suggestions. Feedback gathered from Management highlighted the importance of government’s support as well as cooperating partners for the investment required especially for the track rehabilitation project.
As the tour wrapped up, the Committee affirmed its commitment to supporting ZRL and working closely with key stakeholders to address the identified challenges and to advocate for laws and policies that would strengthen the railway sector in Zambia.
The Parliamentary Committee on Transport will compile a comprehensive report based on the findings from the tour, which will be submitted to the National Assembly and shared with relevant stakeholders in support of enhancing the performance and sustainability of Zambia Railways Limited.
The Parliamentary Committee composition was as follows:
Hon. Mubika Mubika (Shang’ombo MP) – Chairperson
Hon. Joel Chibuye (Roan MP) – Vice Chairperson
Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya – Lunte MP
Hon. Lloyd Lubozha- Chifubu MP
Hon. Tasila Lungu – Chawama MP
Hon. Sunday Chanda – Kanchibiya MP
Hon. Emmanuel Musonda – Lupososhi MP
Hon. Bernard Kanengo -Kabushi MP
Hon. Charles Mulenga – Kwacha MP
Hon. Francis Kapyanga – Mpika MP
