Joint Zambian and Chinese Tazara Memorial Park Museum Now Open

Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has opened the Tazara Memorial Park Museum in Chongwe District, highlighting its significance in preserving the shared legacy of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara).

The landmark is dedicated to the history of the Tazara railway. In 1970, 36 Chinese workers died during the construction of the 1860km railway line which links Zambia and Tanzania; today, the fallen Chinese nationals have their names inscribed on the tooms in the cemetery in the Chongnwe district. 

Wreaths have been laid during the ceremony to pay tribute to the foreign workers, marking the official opening of the Tazara Memorial Museum to the public.

Wang Sheng, Minister Counsellor from the embassy of China in Zambia, said, “Tazara is to remember the spirit of Tanzara, which is the spirit of Chinese and African unity and a joint endeavour. The spirit of being fearless in ending difficulties or risks, the spirit of selfless dedication, and the spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba was represented by the Tourism Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga, who explained that the Zambian and Chinese governments will jointly manage the museum’s operations.

“The park holds immense value for Zambia and China; it commemorates the monumental effort and collaboration between our two nations. This railway is a landmark project that connects land-linked Zambia to Tanzania and Dar es Salaam, facilitating trade and economic development,” continued the Permanent Secretary.

The facility is now open to the public, free of charge, offering an opportunity to learn about the rich history of the TAZARA Railways.