Citizens First Serenje Central Parliamentary Candidate Aubrey Mashawa is concerned that the Serenje TAZARA Station remains idle while local farmers and traders struggle with transport and market access.
Mashawa noted that although the railway line passes through Serenje with four stations, farmers from Kabansa, Milenje, and Chisomo still carry produce on their heads to buses bound for Lusaka.
He stressed that the railway, which should cut transport costs by 60%, is underutilised.
He asked why the station has not been revamped to serve as a People’s Trade Hub and pressed government to explain the reasons behind the delay in modernising the facility.
Mashawa demanded clarity on who is responsible and by what date TAZARA and the Ministry will confirm plans to restore cargo and wagon services for Serenje farmers.
He emphasised that Serenje youths cannot continue to be locked out of logistics jobs while the station remains dormant.
Mashawa urged authorities to introduce interim trading shelters and storage facilities so that mothers selling beans, groundnuts, tute, and charcoal can trade with dignity and security.
He pointed out that the station was built to connect people and goods, and it must not remain closed while opportunity passes on the rails.
