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Conrad Mwanawashe Business Reporter
Wheat deliveries will improve in the next few days following the arrival of 10 000 tonnes more which the National Railways of Zimbabwe will move into the country soon.
NRZ spokesperson Mr Fanuel Masikati said 3 000 tonnes were moved two weeks ago and a fleet with 10 000 tonnes has just docked and is ready for collection.

“We are mobilising adequate resources as we are very aware of the need to support the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio Economic Transformation and economic revival,” said Mr Masikati.

Of the 10 000 tonnes of wheat, 4 000 tonnes is going to the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange listed agro processing concern National Foods Limited.
The Herald Business reported last week that the country holds less than two weeks cover of wheat due to NRZ’s slow uptake of wheat from Mozambique.

Millers indicated that movement of wheat was 30 days behind schedule but Mr Masikati said the national carrier moves products as and when available.

With reference to movement of agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, Mr Masikati said NRZ is on schedule.
“The Beira corridor is fluid. Fertiliser is moving smoothly,” said Mr Masikati.

Government has engaged potential investors to finance the rejuvenation of the railway system and has secured funding from the Development Bank of South Africa to raise about $60 million.

With such an investment the NRZ could get back to the minimum of moving more than 12 million tonnes per year.
The design capacity of Zimbabwe’s railway network is 18 million tonnes per year but the best that the country has done is 12 million tonnes in 1991.

The company currently has almost 7 000 wagons.