The TAZARA railway line is still operative today and continues to play an important role in the fabric of relationships between China, Zambia and Tanzania. Shortly before our trip, the Chinese state president and his delegation visited a large cemetery close to Dar Es Salam for Chinese railway workers, who died during construction. A pavilion, rows of graves and memorials structured the site. All around it, daily life continues, taking little notice of a cemetery that was built as a monument.
During our ride with the TAZARA, a Chinese translator told us that an additional cemetery for Chinese workers lies on Zambian territory along the tracks to Mpika. The translator was on his way to greet important visitors at the train station.