Zimbabwe train refurbishment for 2010

[John Ashworth]

NRZ embarks on refurbishing exercise

Business Reporter - 6 May 2009
ZimTownShip

THE National Railways of Zimbabwe has embarked on a refurbishment exercise of its trains as part of the 2010 World Cup preparations to be held in South Africa, an official has said.

In an interview, NRZ public relations manager Mr Fanuel Masikati said the refurbishment exercise was being done on steam locomotives and the museum coaches.

"As the country's major transporter we have also come up with various strategies earmarked to market the tourism sector in 2010," he said.

He said 2010 World Cup was a platform for the country to realise an influx of tourists visiting resort centres in the country.
Mr Masikati said it was imperative for NRZ to ensure that it improved service delivery.

"As the World Cup roars into life in South Africa, there will be an influx of tourists visiting resort centres in the country. NRZ, as the major transporter in the country, is geared to promote the country's tourism sector. For that reason, we will ensure that our trains are in a condition to transport visitors to various destinations," he said.

He said NRZ was earmarking to refurbish 10 steam locomotives.

The steam locomotives, Mr Masikati said, would be used to haul safari trains.

"We are targeting to refurbish 10 locomotives and so far we have achieved five. We are also optimistic that by the time the World Cup kicks off, the programme will be complete," he said.

Some of the steam engines repaired were at the moment being used for shunt operations.

He added that NRZ had already refurbished museum coaches that would be used as safari trains.

He also said as part of the World Cup preparations plans were already at an advanced stage to procure passenger trains from China.

As part of marketing the tourism sector, they would also ensure that international trains continue servicing routes such as the Bulawayo-Francistown.

NRZ has embarked on a railway infrastructure rehabilitation programme to improve service delivery.

The programme involves among other issues repairing railway lines and setting up of centralised train control system.
Mr Masikati also appealed to members of the public to desist from vandalising NRZ equipment adding that such acts of sabotage adversely impacted the parastatal's service delivery.

Source: Chronicle (Zimbabwe Government)

[Derek Walker]

I hate to say this, but how many tourists would risk going to Zim? and the question goes begging, what are our own railways doing to cater for potential tourists that may come in 2010? I dont see any refurbing of steam loco's going on here (apart from the ones we know about), in fact they are ready to axe the Tchoe-choo (however its spelt) as soon as possible.

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Derek - who knows? By 2010 there could be more people willing to go.

I was involved (or rather party to) some interesting dicussions revolving around this area (steam tours in Zim) last week - suffice to say at the present moment a small push MAY get things humming.

[Steve Appleton]

Correct, Kevin. Tourists are a fickle lot and if their safety is guaranteed and, more importantly, they can get great value for money, they may return in numbers more quickly than one realises. Unlike mining, agriculture and factories which will take years and lots of capital to build up, the tourism infrastructure is largely still intact and would be quick to set up again.

[John Ashworth]

I agree with Kevin and Steve. The deal between Mugabe and Tsvangirai got a lot of international publicity, much of it relatively good compared to previous publicity about Zimbabwe. That deal is, of course, very fragile, but as long as there are no major bad news stories before 2010, tourists may take the risk - especially if the price is right in these days of economic recession.

I would also add that your World Cup football supporter is not necessarily as fickle as your average tourist. They're here on a mission, to see their team play, and to have a good time into the bargain (and if they can get into a good fight with some opposing fans and the local police, that's just an added bonus).