Mining & Trade News

Theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure has become a major safety risk along the 706 km track line operated by Nacala Logistics Limited in Malawi.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of a Railway Safety Week in Blantyre, Nacala Logistics Country Director, Gustavo Stein, told Mining and Trade Review Publication that theft and vandalism of rail-line equipment poses increased threat to human lives.

He revealed that the ongoing damage to rail infrastructure did not only affect Nacala Logistics as an operator, but also the national economy, the social and economic lives of poor commuters and other land users along the rail-line where 16 accidents have now been registered across the country.

“We are struggling with vandalism on our railway systems where increased theft of pandrol clips and other rail materials has forced us to suspend operations between Limbe and Balaka as a safety measure to protect our passengers,” he said.

Stein explained that the safety week was one way of raising awareness on the dangers of tampering with rail materials.

At the end of the exercise, the company is set to attain a zero accident target through the use of diverse communications solutions to reach out to rural masses along the railway lines on how to prevent railway associated accidents.

In her remarks, the Deputy Transport and Public Works Minister, Nancy Mdooko, who graced the occasion, said the Railway Safety Week is also part of governments’ effort to improve the railway system so that it moves in line with national transport plans.

“This event is important for people living close to railway lines so that they understand that it is 100% possible to prevent railway associated accidents,” she said of the function which is expected to be an annual undertaking.

This year’s commemorations are being hailed under the theme “Zero Compromise, Zero Accidents, Zero Harm” and is running from October 24 to 30, 2021.

The theme was chosen to highlight the importance of adhering to safety principles without compromise.

Nacala Logistics runs freight and passenger services with the freight services operating both internationally and domestically while the passenger service only operates within the country.

The company runs 53 locomotives and 669 cargo wagons, 56 of which are tankers.

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