Tanzania and Zambia Want to Upgrade the 'Uhuru Railway' - But Can They? TC_Africa: EastAfrica SouthernAfrica Tanzania Zambia Tazara
The two leaders tried to solicit funding. But the World Bank, several western governments and the Soviet Union declined. Nyerere and Kaunda turned to Beijing.
The railway recorded its peak performance in 1977/78, when it transported 1.27 million tonnes of cargo. But it never came close to its design capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per year. Inadequate management structures and chronic under-investment in infrastructure and rolling stock have amplified the steady decline of Tazara's cargo and passenger services since the 1990s. The shareholding governments had to regularly inject funds for outstanding salaries and urgent repairs.In recent years, political will to refurbish the Freedom Railway - not least to reduce the expensive wear and tear on roads - has grown.
But upgrading Tazara to standard gauge would be expensive and hence less attractive for a private investor. It would also pose connectivity challenges in Zambia. Zambia's national network still operates on Cape gauge, as do South Africa's and Zimbabwe's.