Online Reporter
The Herald
2 April 1981
ZIMBABWE will assist Mozambique to expand the ports of Beira and Maputo as the “most reliable” routes to the sea, the Minister of Transport, Mr. Josiah Chinamano, said yesterday.
In an interview, he said it was necessary to develop links with Mozambique because it was cheaper and shorter.
“As far as we are concerned, it is the most reliable route politically economically.”
The Minister also said the National Railways of Zimbabwe was now processing applications from Indian and Pakistani artisans who would be employed to help repair damaged locomotives.
He said negotiations were already under way for a two-year contract with Rail India Technical Services to supply skilled artisan labour to repair war-damaged diesel engines still out of service.
“We are also negotiating with the Pakistan Government for artisans,” Mr. Chinamano said.
The Railways were expected to spend $44 million during the first six months of this year as part of an expansion programme.
The Minister said that during the next nine months, the Government would also make maximum use of available road transport to supplement rail services.
Another important Railways project was the reintroduction of steam engines which burn coal mined at Wankie Colliery.
“Already, more than 31 steam locomotives have been refurbished and brought back into service.”
Mr Chinamano said there were numerous other projects under way which would assist in improving the capacity of the railway system.
A most important aspect of the programme would be the provision of additional training facilities to cope with future manpower needs. The Minister warned that the Railways’ ability to move traffic would deteriorate if all the locomotives hired from South African Railways were withdrawn.
