TANZANIA ZAMBIA RAILWAY AUTHORITY WOOS

By Edward Qorro The Citizen Reporter, 11th AUGUST, 2012. Dar es Salaam.Total, eerie silence; walls covered in cobwebs and cows taking a nap: that’s what greets any stranger setting foot at the Pugu-Mwakanga substation.The station still holds a special place in the hearts of the many passengers of Tanzania Zambia Railway (Tazara), for it was once their special marker; it would wave them off as they left Dar es Salaam and welcome them when they came back home. Located 24 kilometres from Tazara headquarters and nearly 50 kilometres from the heart of Dar es Salaam, Mwakanga was once a beehive of activity. Passengers travelling upcountry to Iringa and Mbeya would know they’d left the city the minute they passed Mwakanga. Weary travellers coming in all the way from Kapirimposhi in Zambia would know they have arrived when they went through this bustling station.It was their special little checkpoint, a place that seemed to say “welcome home.” Three years ago, scenes of travellers rushing for their tickets were common. Relatives could be seen waving off their loved ones as petty traders peddled their merchandise. Alas, this picturesque little haven is no more. Since the place was boarded up in 2009, it has become a virtual desert in the city; a sketchy place where pickpockets and muggers congregate. Those living around the station say that the place was boarded up in 2009, and it all began with a man they call ‘Ngwale’.Local resident Mr Asumwise Kyamba says that this Ngwale, who was once a commercial inspector for Tazara, told them that the station was being used by businessmen to offload illicit government trophies. He also told locals that dishonest individuals would board the train at Mwakanga to avoid paying fare, according to our informant. “That is not true at all” says Mr Kyamba, who is a retired police officer. “We have security personnel here, how could that have happened?” He adds, “We even had TTs who ensured that nobody got in the coaches without a ticket.” The substation is apparently only two kilometres from the private residence of current Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda. Since it was shut down, locals are forced to trek some 12 kilometres to another station at Vigama. It’s the easiest way for them to get to Iringa and Mbeya. “The train passes here without stopping…until Vigama,” laments Mr Kyamba.Moreover, now prospective travellers from Chanika, Mvuti, Gongo la Mboto, Pugu Mnadani and Kisarawe have to travel 13 kilometres to Tazara Central Terminal, despite the fact that Mwakanga is only a stone throw away. Residents around the areas told The Citizen on Saturday that in its heyday the substation could easily host close to 300 people.Consequences of the station’s closure can be seen all around the township. Local commerce has slowed down to a trickle. Where you once saw traders hawking their wares, you now see farm animals grazing. Many have lost their jobs too. Former Tazara shunter Burton Mwakyusa says he’s been without work and without pay for the past three years. “I now work the local quarry to fend for my family, thanks to the stinginess of few individuals in Tazara,” says the 31-year-old father of one.He now sells the little gravel he breaks up at around Sh2,000 a barrel. According to Mr Mwakyusa, who has been working for Tazara since 2005, no one has told them when the substation will be reopened, if ever. He wants things back the way they once were. “The hooting of trains used to keep us busy, but we now have none of that,” he said. “Life’s not the same.” This reporter witnessed several people idling around the substation as others took naps on the empty benches to while the time away.Doors and windows leading to the TTs offices were totally shut, padlocks hanging on the door never to be opened.The “TZR 203, MKG, STN, 001” sign is still intact on one of the substations’ dirty walls. Despite the “001” call sign, Mwakanga is no longer that first port of call for those coming into, and going out of, this harsh city. The Citizen on Saturday attempted to reach Transport minister Dr Harrison Mwakyembe to get his take on the Mwakanga issue. His mobile phone went unanswered.