Sudan rail jobs depend on funds

By Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28, 2004 — Malaysian companies’ hope in bagging rail-related jobs in Sudan hinges on the ability of the African nation securing funding for the project.

Mail Money understands that the construction of a 2,900km-long rail track throughout Sudan might be partly funded by an African consortium and China.

The total cost of the project is expected to be in range of 3 billion euro (1 euro = RM4.73) and China’s commitment to partly fund the project hinges on China Railway Engineering Corp being appointed as one of the main contractor.

An official of a Malaysian company invited to look into the viability of participating in the project said constructing the non- electrified track will enable trains to run at a speed of 80km an hour.

Apart from Sumatec Resources Bhd and PJI Holdings Bhd, which may be in line to win contracts worth as much as 1 billion euro, two other Malaysian companies had been invited to look at the possibility of participating in the project.

Sudan currently has an extensive railway system, with about 5,500km of track linking most of the major towns and cities, but lines are operating at about one-fifth of its capacity.

Sumatec in a statement said its associate company, Trans Africa Railway Corp Sdn Bhd, is in the final stage of negotiation with the Government of Republic of Sudan. The funding for the project is expected to be arranged by the Sudan Government and the funders, it said.

Azza