'NRZ is the backbone of Bulawayo industry'

THE rejuvenation of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) will open floodgates Bulawayo business, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Obert Mpofu and his Industry and Commerce counterpart Mike Bimha have said during presentations on the potential of the Zim-Sino deals brokered by President Mugabe in China during his recent State visit.

Speaking during a well-subscribed Chronicle Indaba on industry and infrastructure held at Bulawayo's Rainbow hotel today under the theme: "Putting Zimbabwe Back on Track" minister Mpofu said government was committed to revitalize NRZ because that will boost the country's economy and improve industry in Bulawayo as most businesses in the city relied on the viability of NRZ.

"The president's State visit to China was very successful and we are happy that our counterpart, China is interested in the renovation of NRZ and we have since submitted our project proposals to them," Mpofu said adding: "And the upgrading of NRZ will open floodgates of industry in Bulawayo.

Minister Bimha weighed in: "As government we are committed to marry infrastructure development with industry because the two rely on each other. Therefore my ministry will work flat out to resuscitate ZISCO steel which is key to the viability of NRZ."

Quizzed why deals brokered between government and foreign partners often took longer to conclude Mpofu justified the case saying "as government follow procedures in line with the Zim Asset objectives".
"When you speedy up the process you are accused of being compromised and when you delay you are also accused of being compromised," Mpofu said sarcastically.

"We have been in government for a year and in that year we have concluded several deals. We are guided by government procedures in line with existing policies such as the Zim Asset," Mpofu added.

Mpofu took a swipe at NRZ workers who engage in unsanctioned strikes saying the demonstrations were scaring away potential investors who had interest in investing in NRZ.

"Why do you demonstrate at a time when we are trying to lure investors?" Mpofu asked. "Eminyakeni elitshumi edluleyo uloliwe ebesifa kodwa you never demonstrated. Those who work for NRZ please be patient. Uchago ulusenga enkomeni ephilayo hatshi Ukuthi inkomo iqhatsha wena udonsa umbele," Mpofu said in Ndebele.

The meeting which was also attended by Information and Broadcast Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo, captains of industry and the Bulawayo community follows a similar interface meeting hosted by the Herald in Harare where finance minister Patrick Chinamasa made a presentation on the Zim-Sino agreements.