The Zambian government will help secure about 230 million U.S. dollars for the construction of a railway line linking Solwezi to Chngola to ease pressure on roads from increased development of mines in North-Western province, according to the Sunday Times of Zambia.

Twenty-one companies from France, Austria, South Africa, China, Switzerland, Italy, Britain and Zambian agents of foreign manufacturers have expressed interest to supply equipment for the construction of the railway line, the newspaper reported.

Acting secretary to the treasure James Mulungushi was quoted as saying during the week that the government wants the project completed as Lumwana mine starts production to ease the transportation of cargo from what promises to be Africa's biggest copper mine, and also help protect road infrastructure.

"The mine development is moving faster, so we would also like the railway project to be on course. Government will work under the terms of memorandum of understanding signed earlier to try and raise resources of up to 230 million dollars," he said.

He said the railway links are key to growth and investment in the country.

Mulungushi said the continued ferrying of heavy industrial machinery has contributed to the deplorable state of the roads in the country, hence the need to revive smooth railway operations.

An Australian financier expressed interest to support the project as long as the likely users of the railway line, like the mines, support the idea and are ready to enter into long-term take- off agreements with the North-West Railway.

Source: Xinhua