adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
ABOUT 300 people rode on a special train from Bulawayo to Figtree and back yesterday to celebrate the city’s 120th anniversary.
The $30 train ride was meant to complement the city’s celebrations and also to re-enact the momentous arrival of the first train in Bulawayo in 1887 from Mafikeng, Botswana, three years after the city was established
The passengers on the 40KM journey included the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Bulawayo Cde Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo, the Mayor, Councillor Martin Moyo, his deputy Gift Banda and councillors.
Also on the train were fire fighters from the United Kingdom who are in the country on an exchange programme with the city’s Fire Brigade.
National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) passenger service assistant Ken Lungu said they had a higher turnout than they anticipated.
“This is overwhelming. We had reserved places for 250 people but we ended up having about 300 passengers as more people wanted to travel. Some of them even bought their tickets today as we were about to take off,” he said.
He said the trip was a joint-venture between NRZ and the city council.
Speaking at the NRZ headquarters after the trip, the mayor described the excursion as a relaxing one.
“It was exhilarating and peaceful. It gave me an opportunity to spend time with Minister Sandi. This was the longest time I have spent with her. I think I have to spend more time with her,” said Clr Moyo, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Some of the passengers expressed gratitude to the organisers of the trip saying it also gave them a chance to do things that they had never done.
“It’s a wonderful initiative. I brought my wife and children who have never been on a train before and they are loving it. You will be surprised the number of people who have never been in a train before,” said Steph Lambard, one of the passengers.
On the train, passengers were also served cakes and coffee while soft drinks and beer was sold at the bar.
derick.khumalo