SUSPENSION OF MULOBEZI PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE
SUSPENSION OF MULOBEZI PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE
KABWE, Tuesday May 30 2023 – Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) has temporarily suspended the operations of Mulobezi Passenger train service from Livingstone to Mulobezi and vice versa.
The suspension has been necessitated by the unsafe condition of Bombwe Bridge which needs urgent repair works for the safe passage of the train and passengers.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Transport and Logistics has since allocated a budget of K27 Million towards the rehabilitation of the Bombwe Bridge.
Upon receiving the funds, ZRL immediately commenced the procurement process of engaging a Consultant.
The Consultant has to assess the existing operational bridge and recommend remedial measures to be implemented in the short term to sustain train operations as well as assess the replacement of the bridge and determine whether ZRL could build on the existing structures or not.
The process has since been completed with the Attorney General clearing the execution of the contract with the Consultant. The Consultant is expected to move on site to carry out the assessments in the week beginning 5th June, 2023.
The assessments by the Consultant is estimated to take about 3 weeks after which ZRL will be in a position to advise the timelines for the actual repairs and maintenance works.
ZRL would like to thank the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Frank Tayali, MP and the Member of Parliament for Mulobezi Constituency Honourable Raphael S. Mabenga for their efforts in the resolution of the problem.
ZRL would like to assure the passengers and members of the public that the team of ZRL Engineers and the Consultant are working round the clock to ensure that the works are completed at the earliest time possible.
The company would like to thank all its esteemed customers for the patience and continued business support to ZRL.
Further, ZRL regrets the inconvenience caused to the traveling public.
ABOUT BOMBWE BRIDGE
Bombwe Bridge on the Mulobezi line stretches about 74m in length. It is located 119 Km from Livingstone Railway station. The bridge has been in existence for over 100 years. The bridge is constructed out of wood (teak) whose lifespan is 30 years. Its girders are of riveted plate metal sitting on 5 spans across the Bombwe River.
Issued by:
Sombe Longwani Ng’onga (Mrs)
Acting Public Relations Manager
ZAMBIA RAILWAYS LIMITED
