By Yolanda Moyo
BILATARAL relations between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are blossoming with a delegation from the National Railways of Congo (NRC) in the country to assess the capacity of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) to ferry coal from Hwange to Kolwezi in DRC.
In a bid to maximise gains from the north-south corridor, the National Railways of Zimbabwe and the National Railways of Congo have struck a deal which is set to see 200 NRZ wagons being refurbished to ferry coal from Hwange to Kolwezi in the DRC.
The DRC head of delegation of the SNCC, Engineer David Shimbi told ZBC News in Bulawayo this Monday that the deal comes with mutual economic benefits.
“We are here to inspect the NRZ wagons as a follow up to a partnership between the two companies that will see coal being ferried to the DRC and minerals being ferried to Zimbabwe from the DRC. Once the deal materialises, the two countries are going to share mutually economic benefits,” said Engineer Shimbi.
NRZ Acting Public Relations Manager, Mr Martin Banda said the state owned entity is embarking on several initiatives to build its capacity and develop export markets.
“Zimbabwe is going to benefit immensely from this deal as revenue will be generated as NRZ utilises the north-south corridor. As the company builds its capacity and develop its export market, the aim is to remain competitive in the region,” said Banda.
As a member of the Southern Africa Railway Association (SARA), Zimbabwe seeks to be a provider of an efficient rail transport service by 2030, with NRZ having recently signed a deal with Mozambique’s CFM.