The state-owned National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) have registered a 46% increase in cargo volume over the past five years despite the difficult economic environment, according to Transport Minister Obert Mpofu. Cargo volume increased from 2.6 million tones in 2009 to 3.8 million tones. This result is however considerably lower than the 9.5 million tones transported in 2000.
The main reasons behind the drop in cargo volumes is the economic climate, which has seen major railroad clients such as mining and manufacturing sectors struggling to survive, according to Minister Mpofu. The lack of investment in the railway company has also resulted in the deterioration of the company’s rolling stock, he added. The company’s total number of locomotives had declined from 101 in 2000 to 80 in 2006 while that of wagons declined from 9,019 to 5,824, he said.
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