Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Government should enact legislation banning transportation of coal by road from Hwange to other regions to protect the country`s road infrastructure and help revive the struggling National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).
This was said by Zanu PF Bulawayo Provincial Chairperson Jabulani Sibanda on the sidelines of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association (CZLWVA) Inter District meeting in the second largest city on Thursday.
The meeting was convened to discuss key agenda items, including the Presidential Funding for CZLWA and the benefits available to civil servants who are members of the association.
“By mandating rail transport for coal shipments, the policy would boost NRZ’s freight volumes, improve efficiency, and reduce the heavy damage caused by trucks on highways.
“This move would not only strengthen the rail sector but also lower logistics costs, enhance safety, create employment and support long-term economic growth,” he said.
“If you travel along our highways, you will see countless donkeys and cattle struck by trucks. These are a source of wealth for local people. “Moving coal by rail instead of road won’t just revive the railway industry—it will protect livelihoods, save lives, and safeguard property,” Sibanda said.
At its peak in the 1980s, the NRZ employed 17,000 workers, and was the main transporter for industry within and outside the country. The numbers, both for employees and cargo handled, have dwindled.
The rail operator has been hard hit by lack of funding, obsolete equipment, vandalism, corruption and mismanagement have contributed to the poor state of NRZ in recent years.
The parastatal has been knocking on the doors of many potential investors in recent years, pitching various investment projects in an attempt to modernise its service and operations.
Sibanda expressed hope the new Manhize Steel Plant in Mvuma would help revitalize NRZ by boosting freight demand while creating much-needed employment opportunities for local communities.
He also stressed that the parastatal should remain under government control, opposing any moves toward privatisation. Manhize Steel Plant (Dinson Iron & Steel Company – DISCO) is a major integrated steel plant (from iron ore to finished products).
It will reduce steel imports and boost industrialization under Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). “The NRZ was once a thriving entity before it began facing challenges. One major issue was the rise of trucking companies competing directly with the railway in coal transportation,” Sibanda said.
“We recall in the 1990s and early 2000s, private entities began acquiring locomotives to operate on NRZ tracks. Even a South African firm was allowed to exploit our rail infrastructure. We cannot allow such exploitation to happen again.
“Moving forward, we must safeguard our national assets and ensure the NRZ is protected from similar exploitation.”
Sibanda applauded President Mnangagwa for approving the Manhize Steel Company project, saying it will play a key role in revitalising the NRZ through increased rail activity.
“We are pleased that President Mnangagwa has approved the Manhize Steel Company project, which will play a key role in revitalizing the NRZ through increased rail activity.”
Unlike ZISCO, which was established during the colonial era primarily to export steel to Britain for the benefit of foreign interests, the Manhize project represents a new chapter.
“This time, we will maintain control over our resources. While we welcome technical expertise from our investment partners, the project will be managed with Zimbabwean interests at its core,” he emphasized.
New Ziana
