.SIMUUSA
By JAMES KUNDA –
PLANS are underway to extend the Tanzania Zambia Railway (TAZARA) to Burundi through the port of Mpulungu to enhance trade between the two countries, Foreign Affairs Minister Wylbur Simuusa has said.
Mr Simuusa said in an interview that deliberations by the two governments over the project had advanced and soon, a budget would be tabled to pave way for a feasibility study and subsequent construction of the railway line.
The project would be funded on a 50 per cent basis by each of the two governments and the railway line will run from the port of Mpulungu to the port of Bujumbura in Burundi.
Mr Simuusa said the railway link between Zambia and Burundi would be a catalyst for enhanced trade in products such as cement and sugar.
“The governments of Zambia and Burundi are pursuing this project actively as the lack of a direct trade link has created business gaps between the two countries.
“The plan is to extend the TAZARA railway line through Mpulungu to the port of Bujumbura so that goods are exported by rail,” Mr Simuusa said.
Zambia would exploit the Northern circuit to connect to the market in East Africa and increase exports to that region.
Mr Simuusa said Zambia had strengthened its bilateral structures with other countries through Joint Permanent Commissions (JPCs) to enhance regional and international trade.
