RSZ Committed to Community Welfare and Development

Company spends over K1 billion for various projects countrywide

The Railway Systems of Zambia has invested over K1 billion in various projects aimed at fostering the welfare of the communities in which it operates. The company, which took over the operations of Zambia Railways Limited in December, 2003, has implemented various community development projects only along the line of rail.

In the last four years, despite the need to provide resources towards rehabilitation of the railway line, locomotives and passenger coaches, the company has actively participated in national programmes and activities, taking it upon itself to support community projects and causes including education, youth welfare, culture and sports.

The Railways Systems of Zambia has a long-standing commitment to the community in which it operates and has since extended this support further across the country. The company has an annual allocation for community projects that has since seen it spend approximately K1,426, 546,353.21 since it began operations.

This commitment to the community continues in 2008 as the company expects to spend more than was spent in the previous year on various activities and reaffirm its role as a responsible corporate social citizen.

In line with the Presidential Initiative to ‘Keep Zambia Clean and Healthy’, on 15th December 2007, RSZ partnered with the Kabwe Municipal Council in re-launching the programme in Makululu compound where the Honourable Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing, Dr E. Kazonga - MP officiated; accompanied by the area Member of Parliament Honourable Gladys Nyirongo. RSZ contributed towards the re-launch programme by donating various materials and adopting a strategic roundabout in the town center for landscaping and maintenance. Furthermore, in the first quarter of 2008, RSZ will officially launch its own ‘Keep Zambia Clean and Healthy’ programme in Kabwe and in the main towns along the line of rail where it operates. Through this programme, RSZ intends to reach communities and contribute towards the attainment of a healthy environment where it offers its railway service.

“We are soon launching the Keep Zambia Clean and Healthy campaign along the line of rail and this will be done in collaboration with all the local councils. Through this programme we expect to reach communities and assist them where need be, as already demonstrated by our donation to the Keep Zambia Clean and Healthy Kabwe re-launch,” says Mr Charles Phiri, Executive Manager Corporate Affairs at RSZ.

Demonstrating its commitment to meeting regulatory requirements in the sector, the company, since its takeover of the railways, has observed all the environmental requirements where it operates.

RSZ has given priority to retrenched railway employees and supported them through contracts in various fields to cushion the effects of unemployment. This support has uplifted the lives of these former employees.

The RSZ has been actively involved in community welfare on all fronts, supporting wide-ranging causes across the country. The company has adopted the Children of Promise and Arteco orphanages in Kabwe. The two orphanages are funded annually at K54, 000,000 and K36, 000,000 respectively. These funds go towards the various needs of the orphans housed at these centers.

In the recent past, the company has also extended support to other orphanages including Kasisi Children’s Home, Africa Hope, Open Arms Family, Mother of Mercy and support for the Maureen Mwanawasa Community Initiative.

RSZ’s support goes further than disadvantaged communities. Kabwe Warriors Football Club remains a co-sponsored outfit, with both the RSZ and the Zambia Railways Limited supporting the top flight team with K250 million each per annum. The sponsoring of the football club is in line with RSZ’s vision for sports development. RSZ has been supporting the FAZ Super League team’s yearly funding since 2003.

“We’ve also supported the Zambia Rugby Football Association and Zambia Junior Golfers. RSZ has also sponsored workers participation in community or inter-company activities such as social football to keep the employees active,” Mr Phiri adds.

In line with company policy on the support of traditional values of the country, the RSZ has made contributions towards ceremonies including the Kuomboka of the Lozis and Kulamba Kubwalo of the Lenjes.

Railway Systems of Zambia is a key partner of the Government, actively participating in and funding most of the national programmes such as Labour Day and Independence Day celebrations support at its headquarters in Kabwe.

The company has been and will continue supporting the community. The RSZ was at the forefront of celebrations such as the attainment of 100 years of Kabwe Town and remains committed to the continued development of the town.

The year 2008 will see the RSZ play an active role as a responsible corporate citizen. RSZ’s enhanced partnership with the Government and its stakeholders in its efforts to give back to the community, will not only remain committed to towns and cities along the line of rail but around the country where its unfailing corporate support will matter the most.