Chinese-built TAZARA railway makes positive contributions to African development

The decades-old Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway line, built with Chinese assistance, has made significant contributions to the prosperity and development of Africa, according to local people.

The TAZARA railway, known as the "Uhuru Railway" or "Independent Railway," was constructed as a turnkey project between 1970 and 1975 through an interest-free loan from China. Commercial operations started in July 1976, covering 1,860 km from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia.

Over its 49 years of operation, the railway has become a vital artery that ensures the economic operation and development of Tanzania, Zambia, and surrounding areas.

For many cross-border traders in Zambia who conduct their businesses between Zambia and Tanzania, the TAZARA trains are the most affordable means of transporting both goods and people.

"I've been using TAZARA since 1996, I'm still using TAZARA. It has advantages. It is cheaper. It is safe. You don't have to experience such (uncomfortable) things," said Vincent Chinyimba, a local passenger.

In addition to aiding in the construction of the railway line, the Chinese government's assistance also provided local residents with relevant professional skills and employment opportunities.

"I went to China and I was doing civil engineering, later engineering under the civil engineering department. We looked for many countries but China came up and offered to do it for us. It was like a miracle and it's a sign of friendship between Zambia and China," said Mathew Phiri, a retired maintenance engineer who worked on TAZARA.

The railway has made a positive contribution to the economic and trade development of both Tanzania and Zambia, as well as the greater African region.

However, due to its deteriorating infrastructure and aging system, the railway's passenger and freight train capacity has not yet met its intended levels, with urgent upgrades and renovations required.

At the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, China, Tanzania, and Zambia reached a consensus on revitalizing the TAZARA railway.

"Today, TAZARA is facing a lot of challenges, of which again TAZARA needs to be revitalized and China has come back to help. It shows that China is well committed to assisting Africa in all," said Samuel Sholobela, head of commercial services at the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority.

Chinese-built TAZARA railway makes positive contributions to African development

Voting for the second phase of Myanmar's multi-party democratic general election concluded on Sunday afternoon.

Voting began at 06:00 local time on Sunday. At 16:00, an election official at a polling station in Yangon's Latha township announced the closure of the polling station.

Following the closure, election staff at the polling station, in the presence of domestic and international media, candidates, and observers, counted the votes, including advance votes, for seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House), Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), and State and Region Hluttaws (State and Region Parliaments).

The second phase of the election was held in 100 townships across 12 of the 14 regions and states. In the Yangon region, it was held in 16 townships, including the townships of Latha, Bahan, Kyimyindaing and Kawhmu.

"We welcome the election, which is expected to bring new changes to the country," said a Yangon resident.

"I hope the parties can lead us and make it a better country, which is why I support the election," said another voter.

Myanmar's multi-party democratic general election is being held in three phases, with the first phase held in 102 townships on Dec 28 last year, and the third phase scheduled for Jan 25 this year in 63 townships.

"The parliament is scheduled to convene in March. Following the conclusion of the session, the new government will officially take office in April. We hope that more foreign investment will flow into Myanmar, enabling the public to enjoy the opportunities generated by the country's economic development more fully," said Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) said that about 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties are competing in the three phases of the election, adding that it plans to set up over 21,000 polling stations across the country for all three phases of the general election.

The election will produce the elected members of the Union Parliament (Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw) and State and Region Parliaments; the new Union Parliament will then elect a new president, who will form a new Union Government.

Voting for 2nd phase of Myanmar's general election concludes