National Rail of Zimbabwe revival a boost for consumers

Government says the development of the country’s economy is anchored on a vibrant rail-network system.

While its value will lower costs in production and commodity price, ordinary citizens are equally big beneficiaries as they will now use transport which is more affordable.

Addressing stakeholders during the reception of interim solution equipment under the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) recapitalisation process in Bulawayo yesterday, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Dr Joram Gumbo said the resuscitation of the parastatal is key as it forms the cornerstone of the country’s economic revival.

Grain Millers Association president Mr Tafadzwa Musarara said the reduction in operational costs will ultimately result in relieving consumers buying power as the whole value chain is expected to respond to such developments.

For South African Minister of Transport Mr Joe Maswanganyi, NRZ’s recapitalisation drive will have a major boost soon as his country is on the verge of establishing a multibillion dollar train coaches’ plant that shall supply the region at reasonable costs.

The NRZ received the first consignment of the equipment which is part of the 13 locomotives, 200 wagons and 34 coaches on a lease agreement as an interim measure as it awaits the conclusion of a financial closure on the $400 million recapitalisation agreement with the Diaspora Infrastructure Development- Transnet groups, which shall mark the first phase of its rebuilding exercise.