Martin Rushmere
CONCERN IS growing among exporters in Zimbabwe over the ramifications of a container terminal that is being built in Mutare. Although details are not clear, it is known that Cornelder of Holland is a shareholder, while Corridor Developments, run by former Beira Corridor chief David Zausmer, is also involved.
There are suggestions that all exports should be sent breakbulk to Mutare and put into containers there, says the Harare managing director of an international shipping company. Not only will this increase costs, it will add to the time taken to get consignments to the port and is open to all sorts of abuse along the way.
The most important commodity going down the line is tobacco, with 40% of last year's crop of 180 000 tonnes going through Beira. Says Keith Brown, head of the Tobacco Trade Association which represents the interests of buyers and merchants. Nothing has been said so far to us. But it is likely that our members would be unhappy as the less handling there is of the crop the better. Going breakbulk to Mutare followed by containerisation would also probably add to the time taken.
This is not the only problem worrying shippers. There are indications that the mysterious Beit Bridge Railway, which has a strong South African involvement, is manoeuvring to be allowed to receive all income from traffic on the Mutare line, which will be used to pay for a commuter line between the industrial dormitory town of Chitungwiza and Harare.
Transport sources say this will mean that the National Railways of Zimbabwe will be left to pick up the costs of maintaining the line, with an inevitable rapid deterioration in service and assets.
Copyright Now Media (Pty) Ltd
No article may be reproduced without the written permission of the editor
To respond to this article send your email to joyo@nowmedia.co.za
