ZRL HOLDS STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT MEETING ON SINKHOLE MITIGATION PROJECT
ZRL HOLDS STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT MEETING ON SINKHOLE MITIGATION PROJECT
Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) today held a stakeholder engagement meeting in Ndola, to discuss the sinkhole mitigation project in Minsundu area along the Ndola -Sakania railway line.
The meeting focused on highlighting measures the company is taking in mitigating and addressing the issue of sinkholes along the railway line and the impact of the project on the encroached community.
Following a Geophysical Survey Report conducted in the area, 23 spots have been identified as potential sinkholes,posing significant risk to the encroached community.
In early February 2025, the railway infrastructure along the Ndola-Sakania line in Ndola on the Copperbelt experienced significant disruption due to the sudden development of two sinkholes.
The first sinkhole appeared on 11th February 2025, approximately 6 meters from the railway line, with a diameter of about 20 meters and a depth of approximately 15 meters. Visible cracks extending toward and across the railway tracks necessitated immediate temporary closure of this critical route for safety reasons.
Following this initial occurrence, a second sinkhole emerged on 19th February 2025, intensifying operational concerns.
Given the urgency of restoring rail operations and safeguarding the infrastructure, ,the track deviation emerged as the most practical and time-sensitive solution to bypass the affected zone while ensuring continuity of service.
ZRL through its Technical team , promptly initiated emergency works and constructed a 230-meter S-curve deviation to bypass the affected area.
In attendance was, the Ndola District Commissioner Ms. Precious Njekwa, Ndola Deputy Mayor and Mapalo Ward Councillor Mr. Luckson Chisenga, Officers from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), Officers from Ndola City Council (NCC), a representative from Kanyanije Ward, as well as Community Members.
#RailSafety
