Vusumuzi Dube
Stephen Mpofu, Perspective
A GOVERNMENT that sleeps on the job, presiding over decay instead of driving accelerated economic growth, is a contradiction to the very essence of development. It is something society must openly reject.
Against that backdrop, the impressive economic growth in the agricultural sector, as reported by Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi this week, is cause for farmers to walk tall. Their contribution to national economic progress is vital and should serve as an example for other sectors to emulate, so that exports of diverse goods can earn more foreign currency and boost overall growth.
In that respect, rail and road networks must be maintained in good condition to facilitate exports and imports, as well as the movement of goods and services within the country. Without reliable transport infrastructure, sustaining economic growth becomes an uphill task, no matter how strong production levels may be.
Efficient transport systems cut costs for producers and consumers alike. They allow farmers to move produce to markets on time and enable manufacturers to receive raw materials without delays. When transport fails, the burden falls hardest on ordinary citizens already operating on tight margins.
Reliable rail services, in particular, offer long-term economic benefits. Rail transport can move large volumes of goods at lower cost and with less damage to roads. This makes it a strategic asset that should be preserved and strengthened, not neglected.
Investment in maintenance is as critical as investment in new projects. Roads and rail lines left to deteriorate become far more expensive to repair later. Preventive maintenance saves public funds and supports steady economic activity across regions.
Yet, the near-collapse of our rail and road networks raises serious questions about whether Zimbabweans are truly committed to sustained economic growth and self-reliance, rather than leaning on foreign donors to rescue us from hardships caused by weak self-determination and economic sanctions imposed by foreign powers seeking dominance.
As noted earlier, passenger trains — especially rail cars that once offered pleasant services — are now little more than a memory for children born in recent years and for ordinary people who once travelled between rural and urban areas at affordable fares. A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) spokesperson recently admitted on local radio that trains no longer have seats, but failed to explain what happened to the old ones or why replacements were not provided to offer cheaper and safer transport during holidays and festive seasons such as the current one.
Worse still, a transport expert on the same station highlighted that major roads to the country’s southern and northern borders are in serious disrepair, damaged by heavy trucks ferrying goods between urban centres and border points. Urgent upgrades are needed on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway and the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway, which have been battered by haulage trucks carrying goods for export and import. Goods trains should be used instead to protect these roads.
Passenger trains that once ran regularly between urban centres are now almost non-existent, forcing travellers to risk their lives on reckless road transport services where buses compete for stranded passengers. Donkey-drawn or ox-drawn carts and even sledges struggle to navigate damaged roads to reach markets or access essential goods and services needed by rural communities for survival and development.
It is often the small things that serve as catalysts for a country’s overall economic growth and survival. These deserve the same level of attention from both the people and the government if Zimbabwe is to achieve faster and more inclusive economic growth, in line with the mantra of our incumbent government: leaving no one and no place behind.
Online Reporter