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Dumisani Nsingo , Senior Business Reporter
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has handed over the first batch of 10 wagons it refurbished to Bulawayo-Beitbridge Railways (BBR) under a Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs) arrangement between the two parties.
NRZ public relations manager Mr Nyasha Maravanyika said the wagons were handed over to a BBR representative at a brief ceremony which was held at NRZ mechanical engineer’s workshops on Wednesday last week. The company entered into a PPPs arrangement with BBR to refurbish 25 high sided wagons in January. Under the arrangement the two organisations identify the wagons for refurbishment with BBR funding the exercise and NRZ refurbishing the equipment.
“The wagons had been stabled and not working for varying periods of time due to defects. The wagons are general purpose wagons which will be used by BBR to carry clinker used in the manufacture of cement,” said Mr Maravanyika.
BBR provided $270 000 for the purchase of spares for the refurbishment exercise.
“Work to refurbish the wagons started early January and the first 10 wagons were completed on 7 March. The completion of the refurbishment exercise has shown that NRZ workshops still have the expertise to undertake and complete big complex mechanical work within deadlines,” said Mr Maravanyika.
The remaining 15 wagons are at various stages of refurbishment with work expected to be completed before the end of this month.
“The refurbishment work involved complete overhaul of the wagons with attention being given to the main body and brake system bogies. The wagons now have an extended lifespan of five years,” said Mr Maravanyika.
The refurbished wagons would be used by BBR to ferry Pretoria Portland Cement Limited clinker from Collen Bawn to Heaney Junction near Bulawayo from where NRZ will move the cargo to Harare.
NRZ is using PPPs as one of the strategies to ensure that adequate rolling stock is available to its clients.
“While the NRZ focuses on the bigger picture of its recapitalisation project, the rail giant has made great strides in small projects and such PPPs over the past few years,” said Mr Maravanyika.-@DNsingo
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