Central Province Minister Highlights Importance of Zambia Railways Limited
Central Province Minister, Credo Nanjuwa, emphasized the significance of Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) for Kabwe and the entire province, citing its role in sustaining the region when the mining industry collapsed in the 1990s.
During a courtesy call from the Parliamentary Committee on Parastatal Companies, Mr Nanjuwa expressed gratitude for their visit and highlighted the critical importance of ZRL.
Concerning ZRL, the minister also raised the issue of the prolonged tenure of the acting Managing Director, stating the provincial administration’s apprehension about the matter.
Additionally, he acknowledged the lasting impact of the defunct Zambia-China Mulungushi Textile industry on Kabwe and the province, mentioning the challenges associated with reviving it due to past political manipulation and misinformation.
Mr Nanjuwa assured that the government is diligently working towards operationalizing the textile industry to address unemployment, especially among the region’s youth.
Serious engagements with the Chinese partner have taken place, despite the complexity of the majority shareholding structure, with China holding 66 percent and the Zambian government owning 44 percent.
The minister disclosed that the equipment at Mulungushi Textiles is outdated, resulting in limited operations. Consequently, an extensive overhaul is necessary to restore its functionality and viability.
Committee Chairperson Brian Kambita informed that the team plans to visit both ZRL and Zambia-China Mulungushi Textiles during their tour, primarily to investigate the alleged misapplication of the Eurobond allocated to ZRL mentioned in the auditor general’s report.
Mr Kambita expressed optimism that the executive will prioritize rail transport to alleviate pressure on the country’s road infrastructure. Furthermore, the committee aims to gain insights into the operational constraints faced by Zambia-China Mulungushi Textiles.
