adminPamela Shumba Senior Reporter
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) conducted interviews for a new general manager and two directors at the weekend, with the struggling parastatal hoping to revive it’s operations when Cabinet approves its revival plan.The parastatal’s chairman, Engineer Alvord Mabena, told Chronicle on Friday that they would appoint a new general manager, the operations and finance directors as soon as the shareholders approve the appointments.
“We shortlisted six candidates for the general manager’s post and eight candidates each for the finance and operations director’s posts. The interviews will be conducted during the weekend,” said Eng Mabena.
“We gave the candidates ample time to do their applications because some are out of the country. After the interviews, we will select the suitable candidates and inform the shareholders. If they approve then we make appointments.”
The development comes at a time when NRZ received a major boost in its efforts to turn around its fortunes after the government secured a $750 million loan facility from the Development Bank of South Africa for its rehabilitation.
Eng Mabena could not be drawn to disclose the contents of the parastatal’s revival plan but indicated that it had been submitted to Cabinet and awaits approval.
“We have since submitted our revival plan and its subject to approval by Cabinet. If the government approves it, we will start with investors that will completely transform the NRZ. Without that plan, it’s difficult to revive NRZ.
“The most important thing is to get the money that is required and investors. We’re committed to working together to bring NRZ and the programme we’ve crafted will enable us to turnaround the organisation,” said Eng Mabena.
He said the $750 million would be used for system rehabilitation. Experts indicate the parastatal requires about $1,9 billion in the long-term to be fully revitalised and transformed while in the short term, the NRZ would need $460 million to restore the infrastructure and equipment to acceptable levels.
Reports were abound that the NRZ wanted to retrench 6,000 workers, about 86 percent of its workforce to cut running costs as it is struggling to pay workers.
The company owes workers more than $55 million in unpaid salaries.
The parastatal, once the epicentre of the southern African rail network and transport system, has been struggling with operations due to underfunding and obsolete equipment with the 470 km rail track between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls now seen as a death trap. Three train derailments were recorded last year on that line.
The line needs a complete overhaul to the tune of about $50 million.
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