The troubled TAZARA railway (Tanzania and Zambia Railways Authority) that operates between the two countries is deep in debt, TAZARA’s managing director has admitted.

Speaking to the Tanzanian Daily News Mr Henry Chipewo said TAZARA owes US $ 60 million to various organisations and institutions for supplies and services. Included in the list of those who haven’t received payment are workers on the railway, the Tanzanian Revenue Authority as well as other service providers.

Chipewo said his company was the victim of what he termed sabotage – theft, graft, misuse of company benefits and mismanagement.

TAZARA has a staff complement of 3,000 whose monthly wage bill amounts to 1.7 million US dollars. Chipewo said an audit was underway and those responsible for the ‘sabotage’ would be prosecuted.