THIS MONTH is due to see the Zimbabwe government take over responsibility for ownership and financing of rail infrastructure, with the implementation of the Railways Amendment Act 1997.
The Act provides for the transfer of NRZ-owned infrastructure and land to the state, leaving National Railways of Zimbabwe to focus on its role as a train operator. Transport & Communications Minister Christopher Mushohwe said on July 6 that the change ’is aimed at lifting the burden on NRZ and to bring in more players like the Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway because NRZ must not be the only railway user in the country.’
NRZ is to be restructured as a state-owned corporation, with a remit to operate commercially. The minister said all subsidies will be withdrawn, leaving the railway to become self-reliant. NRZ plans to set up four strategic business units covering freight and equipment, passenger services, infrastructure management and road services. These profit and cost centres are intended to ensure greater accountability and responsibility, the minister explained. n
