Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) says it is ready to handle increased freight volumes from the country’s targeted US$12 billion mining industry as it moves to revitalise its rail network through a strategic partnership with Grand Railway Solutions (GRS).
NRZ acting chief executive officer Mrs Ainah Dube-Kaguru said the partnership marked a new chapter for the State-owned railway operator, which was positioning itself to support the expansion of mining and industrial production through reliable rail freight.
“The members of the fourth estate, would you please spread the good news, NRZ is alive and NRZ is dreaming big and because we have been revitalised, it is coming on stream and coming big and once we sign today, you can spread it out as much as you want,” she said.
Mrs Dube-Kaguru said NRZ had the capacity to move the growing volumes expected from the mining sector, with the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) expected to support the initiative.
“The news that we want to get out there is that NRZ can do it. MMCZ, who is the marketer for the minerals, are also going to be supporting and they see it from the media, I think even the story that they will also carry out there even is they go to the Minister of Mines and all, is that NRZ is able to carry the cargo.
“That $12 billion mining industry, we are ready for it to carry using rail.”
She was speaking on Monday during the signing ceremony between NRZ and GRS, a Dinson Group subsidiary.
Under the strategic partnership, a new railway link will be constructed between Dinson Iron and Steel Company’s (DISCO) plant at Manhize and Mvuma, while existing rail infrastructure will be upgraded and additional rolling stock deployed.
The partnership is expected to strengthen the movement of minerals and other industrial cargo, supporting Zimbabwe’s drive to expand mining output and beneficiation.
