. Mukanga

By JAMES KUNDA –
ZAMBIA is still scouting for monetary resources to start construction of the Chingola-Jimbe railway line through Solwezi, which would link North-Western Province to Angola
Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga said the Government was actively pursuing cooperating partners to access funding to conduct a feasibility study and subsequent construction of the facility.
Mr Mukanga said the Chingola-Jimbe railway line involves linking the existing line in Chingola through Solwezi to the border town of Jimbe to enhance the transportation of freight and passenger traffic and other products using Lobito Bay port in Angola
He said Angola had already concluded construction of the railway stretch from Jimbe up to the border point from where Zambia was also expected to construct a stretch through Solwezi up to Chingola.
“Angola has done well with construction of the railway that will go up to the border and we on this side are sourcing for money to put everything in-place and we should also commence construction by next year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Mukanga has said Government will continue to consolidate bilateral ties with neighbouring countries to boost cross-border trade.
He cited, apart from the Chingola-Jimbe railway, the ongoing construction of the Kazungula Bridge and the Shangombo Canal as works of strengthened bilateral ties between Zambia and neighbouring countries.