NRZ, Chinese firm in rail expansion project

Zimbabwe's railway network is set for a revamp with reports that a Chinese railway engineering group, Creec, is in talks with the Zimbabwean government for a multi-million dollar railway network expansion and upgrade project.

The Chengdu-based engineering firm's executives were recently in the country to exchange notes with government on the proposed project which is likely to see Zimbabwe emerging as a transportation hub within the region.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu says government is keen to partner the Chinese firm in revamping the country's rail network and construction of new lines.

"The project which will facilitate trade within the SADC region is expected to create 20 000 jobs for the country's citizens. Among some of the proposed new railway lines under the project include Karoi-Lusaka line and Harare-Tete," says Dr Mpofu.

Creec is the largest multi-industry and comprehensive engineering survey and design corporation in China, with design, consultancy, general contracting and system integration as the core businesses.