31 new cargo wagons for NRZ

The National Railways of Zimbabwe has bought 31 new cargo wagons a move expected to resuscitate the ailing parastal

The wagons were commissioned Friday by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joram Gumbo in Bulawayo.

NRZ has gone under due to a number of factors that has seen workers going for almost two years without a salary.

Poor performance and antiquated equipment and infrastructure has seen also seen accidents and other problems in NRZ.

The 31 cargo wagons were acquired at a cost of US$2.9 million from CRRC Corporation, the largest world manufacturer of wagons which is a state-owned Chinese company. The commissioning of the 31 open-top high sided wagons is part of initiatives that government is taking to boost NRZ’s capacity to move more bulk cargo.

“NRZ infrastructure needs a major overhaul and rehabilitation to bring it to its original capacity levels and that it needs to be up to date with current technological improvements,” said Minister Gumbo

“Government would want to see a situation where road and rail co-exist, with clear separation of roles but complimentary to each other where roads will provide feeder services mainly, especially where there is no rail link.