'Government refuses to cough up'
THE NATIONAL Railways of Zimbabwe has been forced to borrow money to pay overtime and allowances, to prevent another national strike.
Railways spokesman Herbert Mondhlane says that the government refused to provide the money and said it had to be raised through the money market. He has not disclosed details of how much is involved but it
is understood to be Z$170 million
(R30 million), at more than 45%.
The NRZ implies that the government has broken its promise to pay the money, made to end a national strike in March over arrears of Z$200 million. Last month Z$30 million was paid.
Court backing was given for the workers' grievances in December when a tribunal ruled that they were owed the money by the government. In March the High Court gave the workers the right to seize railway assets if the money was not paid.
Transport minister Enos Chikowore promised that the money would be paid by the government, but according to the NRZ he now denies making the pledge. According to the Harare weekly newspaper, the Independent, the minister gave the undertaking without cabinet approval.
By Martin Rushmere
