About-turn in policy as 4000 retrenchments are postponed
THE NATIONAL Railways of Zimbabwe has changed its mind suddenly over the way it will get itself ready for privatisation. A plan to set up four independent agencies has been scrapped and instead the corporation will be split into two separate regions - one running the Beit Bridge, Rutenga, Dabuka and Bulawayo lines and the other in charge of the Harare to Mutare section.
Retrenchment of 4 000 workers has been delayed. No reason has been given for the change of mind, but it is probably linked to the deep hostility among staff to their conditions - which recently culminated in a four-day national strike.
Under the original plan the four agencies were to be leased to concessionaires.
The World Bank had agreed to lend money to pay for retrenchments.
According to the NRZ the money will still be forthcoming, even though no-one will be laid off.
BY MARTIN RUSHMERE
