NRZ, Dubai firm to build inland dry ports

By a Correspondent
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), in conjunction with a Dubai-based company DP World, will build seven inland dry ports in strategic areas in the country.
The ports are expected to ease congestion in seaports while the NRZ seeks to establish new business avenues in Southern Africa.
The rail company and DP world in 2021 signed an agreement that would see the United Arab Emirates government-owned company invest in the country’s railway infrastructure.
Presenting a report to the Parliamentary Committee for Transport on the status of DP World, NRZ general manager Respina Zinyanduko said the parastatal seeks to utilise acres of land it owns around the country for the project.
“NRZ has in the main identified cities and towns, strategically located within the country that can be explored for the establishment of inland dry ports.
“The dry ports will come as a relief solution to the already congested existing wet ports. The dry ports will be established in Lions Den, Rutenga, Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo, Dabuka and Beitbridge,” said Zinyanduko.
“The inland ports will be a relief solution to the congested sea ports and will open avenues that have not yet been explored in the SADC region. DP World have advised they will revert to NRZ in the first quarter of 2023.”
The Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa has put in place measures to revive NRZ to its past glory in the 1990s where it moved 14,4 million tonnes of freight annually.
This year, NRZ hopes to surpass its set target of moving 3 million tonnes of freight.