Govt to expedite NRZ unbundling

Zim Now Writer

Government plans to unbundle the National Railways of Zimbabwe into a State-owned railway infrastructure company are being expedited.

Speaking during a tour of the NRZ workshop in Bulawayo yesterday, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Monitoring and Implementation, Joram Gumbo in that setup, a privately-owned railway services company will come in focusing on operations.

“The expectation is that this will bring efficiency in the operations of the country and thereby contribute to the country’s development efforts. Because rail is no longer being used for transportation while road is, this has led to the increase of road consignment which damages the roads leading to accidents.

“As a result, it is mandatory for rail to be fixed,” Gumbo said. The minister added that government has pledged to fund the rehabilitation of NRZ infrastructure to the tune of $2 billion. In line with that, he said, the target this year is to refurbish four mainline and five shunt locomotives, as well as 940 wagons.

“I urge you to apply yourselves fully to this project given the fact that for the entity to operate optimally, 122 locomotives, 6 130 wagons and 170 coaches are required. A constructive railway system is mandatory for a landlocked country like Zimbabwe,” Gumbo said.

“An effective and efficient railway system is significant because it enhances our ability to compete and integrate into regional and international markets. It is however, a matter for regret that a considerate portion of our rail network is in an advanced state of despair and the rolling stock has outlived its usefulness lifespan,” the minister said.

Gumbo also said government will adopt innovative information communication technology-based solutions to address road and rail problems. The rapid increase in road freight has led to congestion and rising accident rates.