By Mulenga Banda in Lusaka
President Hakainde Hichilema has toured the Port of Beira to appreciate the services of Zambia’s shortest route to the eastern coast.
The tour was to experience what it offers to the country and the region especially at this time they are optimising on the benefits of being land-linked.
Speaking shortly after the tour, President Hichilema says, “We were very impressed on the state of the art equipment and excellent services, and we have no doubt that the Port of Beira offers the best alternative and a cost effective route of our imports and exports.
” It is therefore important that we collaborate with our Sister Republic of Mozambique in expediting the rehabilitation of road infrastructure in the Beira – Chanida/ Casacatiza route, in order to meet the increased cargo conveyance as a result of enhanced economic activities between our two countries.
“Under the Regional initiative of the AfDB led financial framework, Zambia and Mozambique should work together to extend the Railway connection between the Port of Beira and Zambia via Lion’s Den in Zimbabwe. We will also explore the possibility of constructing a gas and oil pipeline along the same route.
“Further, we will also seek the possibilities of establishing Dry Port facilities in Beira and Nacala to facilitate the movement of cargo destined for Zambia from Mozambique”, the President said.
