Maravi

ZAFFA chair recommends increased use of railway

ZAFFA chair recommends increased use of railway
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Tue 14 Sep. 2010, 04:00 CAT

ZAMBIA Freight Forwarders Association (ZAFFA) chairperson Ackim Syamutinta has observed that railway transportation is the most economical way of doing business.

In an interview last Saturday, Syamutinta, who led a team of ZAFFA executive members in their first-ever sensitisation tour of Eastern Province, urged the people in the province to recognise the importance of the recently commissioned Chipata-Mchinji railway line.

“We feel railway transportation is a very economical way of doing trade. In any country, railway transportation is not very expensive; hence that will also facilitate or minimise the price of the goods. This is why we have said we want to encourage the use of the railway line just like we said in the past that TAZARA and Railway Systems of Zambia should be encouraged so that we can also save the road infrastructure,” Syamutinta said.

He said the commissioning of the railway line was a welcome development to the people of Eastern Province and the country at large.

“I am sure we will get more imports and exports through this railway line. It’s a very welcome asset for the development of our economy,” Syamutinta said.

He appealed to the authorities to ensure that the dry port was developed.

“I think one thing at a time, the dry port should be developed, and I am sure the authorities that are working on this are aware. I am glad that at least ZRA are already in place…they have sensitised and put certain issues available to facilitate clearance of any goods that will come before the dry port is ready,” Syamutinta said.

He said his executive had tackled a number of areas regarding the activities of ZAFFA.

“We are going to touch a number of areas such as clearing agents licencing procedures, one stop border post concept, SADC transit management system, matters relating to clearing and forwarding industry and election of two representative,” Syamutinta said.

He said clearing agents were also helping in the growth of the country’s economy.

“The little that they do in clearing is part of the trade facilitations intended to get this economy grow and we want to emphasise to them that they should never consider themselves too small. They should never be like fly-by-night businessmen. Their intention should be to grow into bigger agents and contribute to the economy of this country,” said Syamutinta.

Labels: ACKIM SYAMUTINTA, FREIGHTER FORWARDERS, RAIL, ZAFFA

posted by MrK @ 3:23 AM