Funding could come from private consortium
ZIMBABWE IS pushing to become the platform for South Africa's drive to develop its rail network in the sub-continent.
Renny Makumbe, general secretary of the Southern African Railways Association, says agreement was reached in Pretoria in September for a feasibility study of two new lines through Zimbabwe - to Mozambique and Zambia (Kafue).
Agreement in principle has been reached about undertaking the studies, with funding on the basis of the Beit Bridge to Bulawayo line, which was financed by a South African consortium. There is considerable scepticism in Zimbabwe about the practicality of building a line to Zambia. The cost is prohibitive, says a civil engineer, because of the escarpments on both sides of the Zambezi.
Economists say that the cost would be US$750 000 for each kilometre, translating into US$292 million for the 390 km to Kafue.
This does not faze Makumbe. It will provide a direct link with the Copperbelt and cut out the route from Bulawayo to Livingstone. Most of the goods to Zambia have to go by road first before linking up with the railway line .
By Martin Rushmere
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