Nduna hails NRZ deal

CHAIRPERSON of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development Cde Dexter Nduna has hailed Government for approving the $400 million deal for the National Railway of Zimbabwe (NRZ), which will likely see the revival of the ailing parastatal.

Cde Nduna, who is also the Chegutu West legislator, said the conclusion of the deal between NRZ and the Diaspora Infrastructure Development Group (DIDG) was encouraging, as it would see the public entity improving its capacity utilisation and getting fresh capital.

“There were reports that there were greedy ministers that wanted to thwart the $400 million deal,” he said.

“This deal is now going to be signed. This is a welcome development and it is coming at a time where we want

An expectant youth from the area, Edson Maeresa, said Government should influence recruitment so that youths benefit according to location.

“We hope Government will take part in the job allocation so that we won’t see outsiders benefiting at the expense of the locals,” Mr Maeresa said.

Hurungwe councillor Mr Jealousy Matesanwa begged Chief Chundu, Mr Abel Mbasera, to to go back to 19 million tonnes of cargo that NRZ ferried at its peak in 1996. As we speak, we are moving about 1,9 million tonnes. We need to revamp and resuscitate NRZ.”

Cde Nduna said $150 million of the $400 million will be used to buy 24 mainline locomotives and 13 rail shunters or shunting locomotives.

“Twenty locomotives that are part of the current fleet are going to be refurbished,” he said.

“Similarly, NRZ plans to acquire 1 000 new wagons and refurbish the 700 that it presently has.”

Cde Nduna said a quarter of the $400 million would be used to transform and overhaul the signalling system.

“It is also envisaged that more than $100 million will be invested in modernising and refurbishing the State enterprise’s train control and signalling system,” he said.

oversee the process of recruitment within his jurisdiction.

Youths in Mhangura are also upbeat that they will benefit from the project.

But there are some groups that fear their businesses will be affected by the road project.

For example, bartenders and shopkeepers at Lion Den’s Eleven Miles and Mapinga say they might be relocated as their workplaces