Malaysia may assist Tazara

[John Ashworth]

MALAYSIA MAY ASSIST TAZARA

On October 9, 2012 Railways Africa

According to Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) managing director Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika, the railway is in discussions with SMH Rail of Malaysia which may assist with rehabilitating the many locomotives and lengthy list of rolling stock currently out of service. The envisaged agreement would provide for continuing maintenance over a specified period. Payment would be deferred until the repaired equipment enables Tazara to earn the necessary revenue. SMH managing director Narayanan Kuppusamy assured Tazara that his company possesses the funds needed to support the endeavour but Tazara would be required to provide the necessary equipment and manpower in order to undertake the work.