MARTIN MULEYA
MUTARE – The long-awaited revitalization of the Machipanda-Mutare railway line is nearing completion, promising a potential economic boom for the region.
The refurbished 10-kilometer railway stretch is expected to facilitate the efficient transportation of goods and passengers, boosting trade and tourism between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
The project, a collaboration between the Zimbabwean government and neighboring Mozambique, has seen significant progress in recent months, with works expected to be completed in three weeks’ time.
National Railways of Zimbabwe’s public affairs and stakeholder relations manager, Andrew Kunambura, highlighted that the upgrade was 85% complete.
“We are now 85% complete with the refurbishment works, which entail refurbishing the entire railway line. We are replacing 3,000 sleepers on the line and replacing worn-out rail, particularly on the curves, so that there can be a smooth flow of traffic from both sides.
“With the progress on the ground so far, we anticipate commissioning the refurbished line in three weeks’ time,” he said.
Key improvements include track rehabilitation involving extensive repairs and upgrades to the railway track to ensure smooth and safe train operations.
Upon completion, the revamped railway line is expected to facilitate the transportation of goods between Zimbabwe and its neighboring countries, such as Mozambique and Malawi, promoting regional trade.
The refurbishment works have generated employment opportunities during the construction phase and in the subsequent railway operations.
The completion of the Machipanda-Mutare railway line is seen as a major milestone in the country’s effort to modernize its transportation infrastructure and enhance economic growth.
It is anticipated to revitalize the region and contribute to the overall development of the country.
Meanwhile, the integration and interconnectivity of transport systems between Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique are expected to improve with the joint development of a deep-sea port and heavy-haul traffic railway line.
This follows the signing of the Declaration on the Development of the Ponta Techobanine Project by the leaders of the three neighboring countries: Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa, Mozambique’s Filipe Nyusi, and Botswana’s Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, at the Malibangalala Bay Resort in Mozambique on July 12.
