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Herald Correspondent
A delegation from DP World, a United Arab Emirates-based global supply chain and logistics company is examining the National Railways of Zimbabwe rail infrastructure and potential sites for dry ports to see what the company could offer.
DP World is a trade enabler in infrastructure such as roads, rail and dry ports.
A delegation comprising DP World CEO for Middle East and Africa Region Summet Bhardwaj as well as DP World CEO for Mozambique Christian Roeder arrived in Zimbabwe last Sunday and met Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona.
Their visit to Zimbabwe is aimed at capacitating NRZ in strategic transformation in the configuration and operation of value supply chains and logistics locally, regionally as well as internationally in line with NRZ’s recapitalisation drive which is being propelled by a strong business-driven model to expand its operations to meet demand created along the fast growing minerals, agriculture, manufacturing and retail value chains.
NRZ acting public relations manager Mr Martin Banda said the delegation were using the visit to assess the state of NRZ infrastructure, while carrying out feasibility studies of potential volumes that could be moved by the railway network.
He said assessments of suitability of Rutenga, Mutare, Lion’s Den and Harare as locations to build dry ports were also visited.
“The NRZ looks forward to partnering with DP World who has the experience in setting up dry ports. This has been precipitated by the need for storage and creation of seamless linkages between storage facilities, source markets and end users.
“The intention once adopted calls for the dry port concept to be implemented around the country, with NRZ offering great opportunities for the establishment of dry ports along its strategic routes.
“A case in point is that NRZ which is on an accelerated drive to engage partners on its recapitalisation efforts, has targeted to refurbish its former Dry Port at Lion’s Den for storage and strategic logistics handling and shunting of cargo earmarked for export, through the traditional sea routes in Durban, Beira, Maputo and Walvis Bay,” Mr Banda said.
He said the movement of cargo along the intended rail corridors will give a big boost to NRZ’s business.
Mr Banda said as DP World is a trade enabler, company officials took time to visit the NRZ Mpopoma marshalling yard and mechanical workshops in Bulawayo to assess the conditions of the rolling stock and possibilities of assisting “the entire supply chain”.
He said the officials were using the visit to assess the state of NRZ infrastructure and to foster cooperation in infrastructure development including refurbishment of railway rolling stock and their inland marine business opportunities, the dry [ports).
“The NRZ intends partnering with this large marine terminal operator in the world owned by the government of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates as it continues strengthening cooperation in infrastructure development which includes the refurbishment of railways, and inland marine business opportunities.
“The tour by DP World officials is one of those initiatives to re-capacitate the NRZ,” Mr Banda said.
Online Reporter