Govt injects US$115m for NRZ recapitalisation

Zim Now Writer

The National Railways of Zimbabwe's recapitalisation drive has seen the government injecting capital to the tune of US$115 million for the acquisition of rolling stock, including locomotives and wagons.

The development was confirmed by NRZ board chairperson, Advocate Martin Dinha.

“Under the Second Republic, we have seen investment in railway increasing. So, we have seen the government injecting US$81 million for the procurement of new wagons and passenger coaches and US$43 million dedicated towards the rehabilitation of the railway line.

“Since 1992, this has been the most significant investment in the railway line showing how the government values NRZ as an economic enabler,” said Advocate Dinha.

Addressing delegates at a National Economic Consultative Forum Infrastructure Conference in Victoria Falls on Friday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasised the need to invest in the country’s road and railway infrastructure.

“This summit is being held under the theme, 'Accelerating transport infrastructure in Zimbabwe'. Transport infrastructure, meaning that we must increase our road infrastructure in the country, we must increase or modernise our railway and airways infrastructure in the country,” said President Mnangagwa.

Meanwhile, NRZ officials were in Mozambique where they met their Mozambican Ports and Railway Authority counterparts to discuss how the two countries can expand their railway infrastructure and enhance trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.