Obert Mpofu attacks striking NRZ workers

Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Obert Mpofu today attacked National Railways of Zimbabwe workers who held demonstrations over unpaid salaries last week accusing them of scaring away investors.

Mpofu said the job action could jeopardise negotiations with the Development Bank of South Africa where government seeks a loan of between $400 to $700 million to rehabilitate infrastructure at the NRZ.

"Sometimes the things we do end up affecting us. In the past ten or so years that NRZ was in serious trouble no one ever demonstrated. Now that there is hope, people start demonstrating," Mpofu said.

He said the DBSA was also worried about the job action.

"We know you want your money but what we should know is that you can't milk a dead cow. The cow has to be fit and strong, you can't start milking when it is nearing death," Mpofu said.

He said there was need for NRZ workers to be patient as things were heading for a turn around.

"Government is aware of your problems and we are trying so hard to address the situation," said Mpofu.

He said there were potential partnerships with Chinese companies that would invest towards the rehabilitation of NRZ.