DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) said Wednesday it would transport 160,000 tonnes of maize from Tanzania to Zambia.
TAZARA said in a statement issued by its headquarters in the port city of Dar es Salaam that the maize will be transported from Makambako and Vwawa in Tanzania to Kalomo in Zambia.
Bruno Ching'andu, TAZARA managing director, noted that the authority will provide necessary help to ensure the efficient transportation of the maize, moving at least 20,000 tonnes per month over the next eight months.
"We are committed to supporting the Zambian government's efforts to secure maize supply and enhance food security in Zambia, which was recently affected by the drought that hit most parts of southern Africa," said Ching'andu.
This joint effort demonstrates the strength and reliability of railway partnerships in addressing logistical challenges and delivering essential goods when and where they are needed most, he said.
The special operation for the transportation of maize is part of the Zambian government's procurement of 650,000 tonnes of maize that it bought from Tanzania in June 2024.
The TAZARA railway, known as the "Uhuru Railway" or "Independent Railway," has a length of 1,860 km and it is a bi-national railway linking the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania with New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia's Central Province. The railway was constructed as a turnkey project between 1970 and 1975 through an interest-free loan from China, with commercial operations starting in July 1976. ■
