By Chiedza Nyabadza
TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister Hon Felix Tapiwa Mhona has said the refurbishment of three locomotives and 100 wagons will improve the operational efficiency of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) and reduce reliance on heavy road haulage, helping preserve the country’s newly rehabilitated roads from premature damage.
The refurbished rolling stock was commissioned at Harare Railway Station today under a Public Private Partnership between NRZ and Zimasco, with Zimasco funding critical spares and consumables worth US$2.8 million for the refurbishment programme.
“These refurbished locomotives and wagons will enable NRZ and ZIMASCO to improve their operational efficiency, leading to reduced reliance on heavy road haulage and thereby preserving our newly rehabilitated national roads from premature damage,” said Minister Mhona.
He said Government would in future consider measures to restrict the movement of heavy trucks on roads and encourage the transportation of heavy equipment and bulk commodities by rail.
The minister said the revival of the rail sector was critical as Zimbabwe seeks to increase the movement of minerals and agricultural commodities while protecting road infrastructure from damage caused by heavy haulage.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Hon Charles Tawengwa, said a stronger railway system was critical to national development and the attainment of Vision 2030.
“Stronger railway system contributes to the development of the country and a clear road to the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.
Zimasco officials said the company would continue exploring opportunities for partnerships with NRZ, adding that the refurbished rolling stock would be dedicated to transporting mineral and agricultural commodities.
Minister Mhona also said about 2,500 wagons still require refurbishment, while the Mutapa Investment Fund is pursuing a US$6 million loan to capacitate NRZ as demand for rail services in the mining and agriculture sectors continues to grow.
He commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration for prioritising infrastructure development and said the placement of NRZ under the Mutapa Investment Fund, led by Chief Executive Officer Dr John Mangudya, was part of efforts to restore the institution.
“Our visionary leader, His Excellency, the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa, has consistently reminded us that infrastructure is the cornerstone of economic development,” Minister Mhona said.
He described the commissioning as another milestone in the development of viable partnerships between NRZ and the private sector.
The latest development is expected to boost NRZ’s freight capacity and improve the movement of minerals and agricultural products as the parastatal pursues partnerships aimed at recapitalising its operations.
Zimbabwe is also working on reviving rail connectivity with Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa as part of broader efforts to reposition rail as the backbone of bulk freight transportation.
