Decrepit NRZ fleet needs repair funds

Martin Rushmere THE NATIONAL Railways of Zimbabwe says that almost 40% of its wagons and one-third of its locomotives are under repair. Latest statistics from the parastatal show that at March 12, 20 locomotives out of 70 were out of action, along with 3 923 wagons out of 10 000. Another 494 wagons were beyond repair. Says Vuso Sithole, regional manager (eastern): We need a capital injection to service our fleet and are negotiating with local financial institutions to raise Z$2,5 billion (R400 million at the official exchange rate). The shortage of wagons has led to long delays throughout the country.