Proposed Multi-use logistics facility to boost rail transport business

Zambia Railways Limited Acting Manager for the Central Region, Misheck Banda, says the proposed construction and operation of a multi‑use logistics facility in Lusaka’s Lilayi area by AGL Zambia Limited will help boost rail transport business opportunities in the country. Mr…

Zambia Railways Limited Acting Manager for the Central Region, Misheck Banda, says the proposed construction and operation of a multi‑use logistics facility in Lusaka’s Lilayi area by AGL Zambia Limited will help boost rail transport business opportunities in the country.

Mr Banda noted that most of the bulk cargo that AGL Zambia Limited will be handling is expected to move by rail.

He was speaking during a stakeholder scoping meeting on the proposed construction and operation of a multi‑use logistics facility in Lusaka’s Lilayi area by AGL Zambia Limited.

Mr Banda explained that his organisation is partnering with AGL Zambia Limited to transport bulk cargo using the rail line.

“AGL Limited will be dealing with bulk cargo, some of it will be transported by road but most of it will be going by rail, hence the partnering with AGL,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Banda has bemoaned increased encroachments by developers on the Zambia Railways Limited reserve lands.

He explained that the organization’s reserve land is meant for future developments and has since appealed to would be developers to desist from buying land meant for the organization’s future development.

“You all agree with me that no one has ever bought land from Zambia Railways Limited and the idea of Zambia Railways not selling land is for future projects like what AGL is bringing on board,” he explained.

A local resident, Zimba Lickson, has appealed to the Zambia Railways Limited, to find ways of helping him and other affected families  with the issue of encroachments on the Zambia Railways Limited reserved land.

And Lusaka District Commissioner Rosa Kayuni said government remains committed to working with the private sector in delivering development.

Ms Kayuni said this in a speech read for her by Lusaka District Administrative officer, O’Neill Chiiya.

She explained that the proposed project will help bring massive development in the district and the country at large.

“This development will not only provide employment for our local people but produce revenue for the Government through taxes as well,” she appreciated.