CHAKWERA DELIVERS ON RAIL NETWORK PROMISE AS TRAIN ARRIVES IN NSANJE AFTER 43 YEARS

President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, who is also the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) presidential candidate in the September 16 General Election, on Tuesday fulfilled a historic promise to restore the country’s southern railway network when he boarded a train coach at Nsanje Port, the first train to arrive in the district in 43 years. Speaking to supporters after the symbolic journey from Nsanje Port to the railway station, President Chakwera said the development marked a turning point in his administration’s vision of rebuilding infrastructure that unlocks trade, investment, and prosperity.

“Transportation costs of goods will go down, and companies will come to invest here in Nsanje as goods from Beira will be offloaded right here,” said Chakwera, adding that his government would also ensure the Nsanje–Marka Road is reconstructed to durable standards. The President said the Bangula–Marka railway rehabilitation is a “game-changer” that will benefit not only Nsanje but the whole nation, by easing the cost of doing business and restoring Nsanje’s township status as an economic hub.

During the same tour, Chakwera conducted whistle-stop rallies across Nsanje and Chikwawa, where he urged citizens to give him a fresh mandate to complete ongoing development projects. He also assured Malawians of his government’s continued commitment to food security, announcing the procurement of 200 metric tonnes of maize to cushion hunger, and highlighted the Shire Valley Transformation Project as a long-term solution to agricultural productivity. In his remarks, Senior Chief Ndamera of Nsanje hailed the railway rehabilitation as a landmark achievement, noting that it would serve generations and accelerate development beyond the district. “This railway is not for Nsanje alone, it is for Malawi as a whole. President Chakwera deserves another mandate to finish what he has started,” he said. Senior Chief Chimombo also commended the President for his leadership and vision, praising his government for implementing development projects across the country, including teacher promotions and NEEF loans that have empowered citizens economically.

The symbolic train journey in Nsanje underscored Chakwera’s message that his administration is committed to building lasting infrastructure, strengthening food security, and empowering citizens through inclusive development. As Malawians prepare to vote on September 16, the Nsanje milestone adds fresh momentum to the MCP campaign, reinforcing its promise of progress, prosperity, and unity across the nation.