Transport Minister Nicholas Goche told a strategic workshop here recently that the operational challenges had seen NRZ struggling to pay its workers. He said the parastatal was in serious need of a face-lift, particularly its old machinery that includes engines and wagons.
“We want to clear issues related to NRZ’s indebtedness. As you are aware that most of their workers are working at a relatively slow pace and the infrastructure there is in a sorry state as government has not acquired new wagons and engines. Also they are unable to pay workers full salaries because of bankruptcy,” said Goche.
The revamp will need $350 million to complete the first phase, which includes sprucing up railway lines, communication systems, purchasing new locomotives, wagons and engines.
The ministry of Transport had already engaged a local financial institution and negotiations were at an advanced stage, he said.
NRZ recently announced that it was looking for strategic private partners.
Post published in: News