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an official has said.
If fully capitalised, NRZ has the capacity to move 12 million tonnes of traffic annually.
In an interview on the sidelines of the just ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, NRZ public relations manager Mr Fanuel
Masikati said the parastatal was presently continuing with its revival programmes that included the rehabilitation of rail network infrastructure countrywide.
“We need $2 billion in the long-term to fully recapitalise. The long-term covers a period of 10 years,” he said, adding that in the short to medium term between $395 million and $400 million was needed to restore the infrastructure to acceptable levels of safety and service delivery.
He said NRZ had embarked on a maintenance programme of its locomotives and wagons to enhance its critical role in the economy.
In the 2011 national budget Finance Minister Tendai Biti allocated $15 million to NRZ for the rehabilitation of its railway network which the parastatal received.
Minister Biti in the 2012 national budget allocated NRZ $20 million and the resources were yet to be disbursed.
The parastatal was exhibiting at the trade fair under its theme, “Investing Locally-NRZ Helping You Reach Global Markets”.
“In line with our theme at this year’s ZITF, we are a vital link in Zimbabwe and Sadc in terms of the transport industry. On the freight side NRZ has the capacity to move any commodities availed to us by the industry. On the other hand we also run passenger train service, which is critical in movement of people,” he said.
The parastatal plays a critical role in the economy as it is a major player in the transport sector at local, regional and international markets.
Among others it transports goods such as fuel, coal, maize, sugar, fertiliser and sugar cane.
This year, NRZ targets to move six million tonnes of traffic of confirmed business from its customers in different economic sectors.
Online Reporter