Marka-Bangula railway rehabilitation transforms lives in Nsanje

The rehabilitation of the 70-kilometer Marka-Bangula railway line has transformed the lives of Nsanje communities who are now praising President Lazarus Chakwera for his commitment to the project.

The initiative has diversified economic opportunities, reduced transportation costs and improved livelihoods.

Veronika Mchenga, a beneficiary from TA Ndamera, testifies that her family life has changed since the project started as she is able to do small scale businesses and able to help sustain her family.

“This development has helped me a lot. I sell fritters and many people are buying, hence helping me. The President does not know me, but I thank him for what he has done to my life. This railway has helped me a lot,” said the visible happy lady.

Doreen Lloyd, another beneficiary from the same village echoes her friend’s sentiments.

She says: “Every business that we are doing since this development came is giving us rewards. I am able to support my children and complement my husband’s efforts in taking care of our family and we are living a happy life.”

Village Headman Ganunga from Group Village headman Mchacha under Traditional Authority Ndamera says the completion of the railway will help to improve their lives.

“We have already started benefitting from this project because many people have been employed, and some have started different businesses. We have been sidelined for so long, but we thank President Chakwera for remembering us.”

On his part, Nsanje Central Parliamentarian, Kafandikhale Mandevana, thanked the administration, saying: “We are so sure that the coming of this rail will revive the economy of Nsanje because it will open markets for our produces outside the district to as far as Mozambique where competitive prices are offered.”

In August last year, Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC), Colleen Zamba disclosed that 30 percent of the Malawi’s income is channeled towards Cost, Fleet and Insurance hence the revamping of the rail transport will likely reduce associated costs.

Zamba said the rail “will be key to our economy” since many will invite investors in various fields.

Speaking recently when the first train brought in fuel at National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) depot at Kanengo, the SPC described the development as a dream come true saying this will result into significant reduction of prices of goods due to a decrease in transport costs through railway.