Martin Rushmere
KNOWN AS the Malawi Lifeline, the Nacala line through Mozambique is proving its backers' claims as one of the few rail success stories in southern Africa.
Record tonnages have been moved in the past year and efficiency is improving all the time.
A total of 3 100 TEUs of tobacco have been exported from Malawi since June last year. This is a wonderful performance, says Dave Sly of Unifeeder. It's the best that has ever been done.
Imports have reached 24 000 TEUs in five months. CFM has added another 20 container-carrying wagons to its rolling stock.
The big limiting factor is the port of Nacala itself. There are no dockside gantries and only ships with their own equipment can use the port, says Sly.
Privatisation has been a major reason for the route's success.
Separate owners' consortiums run Malawi Railways and the port.
Full privatisation of the port is awaiting final financial arrangements.
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