Nqobile Bhebhe in Mvuma
MATABELELAND North Province has welcomed the signing of a strategic transport partnership between the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) and Grand Railway Solutions (GRS), saying the deal could unlock fresh economic activity for the province and the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Mvuma on Monday, Matabeleland North Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ms Sithandiwe Ncube said the province had been closely following efforts to bring the three entities together and expressed relief that the long-awaited agreement had finally been signed.
The partnership is expected to strengthen rail freight capacity while supporting industrial and mining activity, with Disco’s Manhize steel project providing a major anchor for increased rail traffic.
Ms Ncube said the provincial administration had been pushing for the collaboration for some time, but there were periods when the initiative appeared unlikely to materialise.
“We have been pushing this initiative for quite some time between the two entities.
“And at one point in time we thought nothing was going to happen, nothing was going to come out of this,” she said.
She said the delays had been disappointing, but she remained hopeful that the parties would eventually find common ground.
“There was a bit of disappointment and I was so sad but I kept on believing that these guys will go out there and find each other,” Ms Ncube said.
Her optimism was rewarded when she learnt that the necessary approval had been granted for GRS to proceed with contractual arrangements with NRZ.
“I was very excited when I spoke to them the last time I heard that the letter is signed and granting the mission to GRS to start the contract issues with the NRZ,” she said.
“I spoke to the CEO, she said yes, we are doing something, but I was not satisfied, and I said, when are we going to see it happen, because for me, the real thing is to see people signing an agreement.”
Ms Ncube said the signing represented an important milestone for Matabeleland North, particularly as the province seeks to leverage its mineral and industrial potential.
“We can really testify to the excitement that we have as Matabeleland North to see this project kick off,” she said.
She said the benefits of the partnership would extend beyond the companies involved, with improved rail logistics expected to support businesses, mining and industrial production.
“What is happening now also means something to our economy as a province and as the nation,” Ms Ncube said.
The agreement comes as Government pushes for the revival of NRZ and increased utilisation of rail as a cheaper and more efficient mode of transporting bulk commodities, particularly minerals and industrial inputs.
The partnership is expected to strengthen the country’s logistics infrastructure while supporting increased production, value addition and exports.
Source: Mat North welcomes NRZ-Dinson-GRS rail deal – herald
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