• TRANSPORT, Works, Supply and Communications, Minister Yamfwa Mukanga (left) flags off the first Zambia Railways Passenger Train between Kapiri Mposhi and Nakonde in Kapiri Mposhi yesterday. See story on Page 2. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA /ZANIS

By SYLVIA MWEETWA-
ZAMBIA Railway Limited (ZRL) yesterday launched the first passenger service train to operate between Kapiri Mposhi and Nakonde.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga reaffirmed that the launch was in line with Government’s vision of ensuring the railway network connect provinces and neighbouring countries.
Mr Mukanga said the Patriotic Front (PF)’s campaign promises of linking the provinces and ensuring reliable train transport services was bearing fruit.
Mr Mukanga was speaking in Kapiri Mposhi yesterday during the commissioning of the passenger service train in partnership with the Tanzania Zambia Railways (TAZARA) which was also attended by Central Province Minister Obvious Mwaliteta, Central province
Permanent Secretary Edwidge Mutale and her deputy Ronald Sinyangwe.
Others include ZRL chief executive officer Muyenga Atanga as well as senior government and PF officials.
Mr Mukanga said the Government was committed to ensuring that the railway network was improved and pledged support to ensure that government’s vision was achieved.
The minister said the introduction of the passenger train service had potential to enhance people’s livelihood.
Mr Mwaliteta said the commissioning of the passenger train would help alleviate the strain on the roads and reduce on the cost of travelling from Central to Muchinga Province, especially for small and medium entrepreneurs.
Ms Mutale said the province looked forward to a time when policy direction would be issued preventing heavy duty vehicles on the roads. She said instead the use of wagons should be encouraged to protect the roads from further damage.