Railway encroachment puts safety, maintenance at risk - Zambia Railways

Zambia Railways Limited has called for urgent action against illegal trading, construction and other activities along railway reserves in Lusaka, warning that encroachment is affecting railway maintenance and public safety.

The concern was raised when Zambia Railways Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi led a delegation on a courtesy call to Lusaka Mayor-elect Chitambala Mwewa.

The company specifically called for the removal of traders operating along Tokyo Way, an area that had initially been designated as a temporary market site.

Eng. Malindi said youth and women's cooperatives that Zambia Railways has equipped with skills to maintain the railway line from Livingstone to Chililabombwe are struggling to carry out their work because of illegal activities along the railway corridor.

She said technical engineers inspect the railway line every week to identify sections requiring maintenance, but their work is often hindered by encroachment.

According to Zambia Railways, houses and other structures have been erected within railway reserves, while trading and waste dumping along the line are also creating operational challenges.

The company identified Chaisa, Ngwerere, Lilayi, Misisi, Chawama and Kamwala among the areas where illegal structures have been erected.

Mayor-elect Mwewa pledged to work with Zambia Railways to address the encroachment and said he would undertake a site visit to assess the extent of the problem.

He also stressed the need for public sensitisation and said safety would remain a priority.

Mr Mwewa said the council would allocate designated trading spaces to traders to help keep them away from restricted areas.

He urged traders to approach the council to find out about available trading spaces rather than wait to be moved or directed.

Zambia Railways says the railway reserve extends 50 yards on either side of the track and serves as a safety corridor.

The company is now seeking closer cooperation with the council to protect the reserve and ensure that maintenance and railway operations are not disrupted by encroachment.