THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is set for a major transformation as the government moves to revitalise the country’s railway system to modern standards.
NRZ has been struggling for years with ageing infrastructure and outdated systems, but a new wave of optimism is emerging as the NRZ board, under the leadership of Chairperson, Dr Misheck Sibanda, set sights on aligning operations with modern regional standards.
During his engagement with NRZ management in Bulawayo this Thursday, Dr Sibanda emphasised the need to accelerate reforms and position Zimbabwe as a central logistics hub in Southern Africa.
“Our focus is on bringing NRZ to modern regional standards. This is about efficiency, safety, and ensuring that Zimbabwe’s railway system can compete at the highest level in the SADC region. We must open up to expertise from our citizens abroad and partners beyond our borders,” Dr Sibanda said.
“Revamping NRZ requires the best knowledge available to ensure we build a system that is efficient, modern and sustainable. What we are going to do as NRZ is to ensure that we fulfil President Emmerson Mnangangwa’s vision of an upper-middle-income society by 2030.”
Government’s push to revamp the railways is in line with the Second Republic’s broader infrastructure development thrust, which has already seen significant investment in road networks, energy and airports.
Zimbabwe is expected to conclude a US$600 million agreement with China Railway International Group this year to rehabilitate the country’s railway infrastructure.
The investment is expected to upgrade locomotives, tracks and signalling systems.
The revitalised railway is set to significantly boost regional trade competitiveness, spur economic growth and lower the cost of doing busines
