NRZ will bounce back, says Mpofu Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu addresses guests during a Chronicle-organised breakfast meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, while his Industry and Commerce counterpart Mike Bimha, businessman Jimmy Goddard and CZI Matabeleland chapter president Busisa Moyo listen.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu addresses guests during a Chronicle-organised breakfast meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, while his Industry and Commerce counterpart Mike Bimha, businessman Jimmy Goddard and CZI Matabeleland chapter president Busisa Moyo listen.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu addresses guests during a Chronicle-organised breakfast meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, while his Industry and Commerce counterpart Mike Bimha, businessman Jimmy Goddard and CZI Matabeleland chapter president Busisa Moyo listen.

Business Reporter
Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu, yesterday said demonstration by National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) workers were stifling progress in finalising financing deals with potential investors.
Speaking during a Chronicle business breakfast meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, Dr Mpofu urged patience from the disgruntled workforce who went on strike two weeks ago over outstanding salaries.

“We’re working hard to bring industry to its feet, but what’s disappointing is that while we engage investors on NRZ revival and we’re about to clinch the deals, we see people staging demonstrations,” he said.

Dr Mpofu said the Development Bank of Southern African (DBSA) was upset to see NRZ workers taking to the streets, saying the move nearly scared the investor away.

DBSA is set to avail a loan facility to the tune of between US$450 million to US$700 million for the resuscitation of the parastatal.

“At times we destroy ourselves. Even if you’re milking a cow, you milk a live one. You can’t be seen milking a dead cow and hope to get milk.

“Let us not do things that will discourage those who want to support us. As it is, we don’t have signals for the trains and drivers use cellphones. NRZ workers, let’s be patient until we conclude these deals,” said Dr Mpofu.

He said an accident that occurred at Heany Junction on the outskirts of Bulawayo, where scores of passengers were injured recently, was caused by signal failure.

Dr Mpofu assured the country that the on-going Government initiatives would improve the transport system and enhance business operations.

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