Source: Govt commits to launching greenfield railway projects – herald
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona (centre), flanked by National Railways of Zimbabwe chairman, Dr Misheck Sibanda (left), and head of the Corporate Governance Unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Allen Choruma, attend the 9th Public Entities Corporate Governance Oversight meeting in Bulawayo on Saturday. – Photo: Eliah Saushoma.Freeman Razemba in BULAWAYO
THE Government is pressing ahead to develop and launch the new railway greenfield projects with a regional status such as the Trilateral US$6,5 billion Ponta Techobanine project and the US$2,18 billion Lion’s Den-Kafue rail link project, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has said.
On Saturday, Minister Mhona presided over the ninth session of the Line Minister’s Public Entities Corporate Governance oversight meeting in Bulawayo where he outlined some of the developments being undertaken on the racapitalisation of the railway lines.
He said the National Railways of Zimbabwe continued to face capacity and financial constraints and that in light of these challenges, it was imperative that they sustain and deepen their engagements aimed at supporting the entity’s recapitalisation agenda.
“I wish to acknowledge the commendable efforts being undertaken by NRZ, in collaboration with Mutapa Investment Fund, to mobilise resources and strategic partnerships. Of late, we have witnessed the exciting developments of reviving passenger services between Harare and Mutare and between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Equally important, the ministry is actively engaged in promoting and launching new railway greenfield projects with a regional status: The Ponta Techobanine project by Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana is at its infancy and needs support and the Lion’s Den-Kafue rail link project with the Government of Zambia is also crucial for expanding rail network and promoting the North-South Corridor link via Kafue, allowing us to access northern markets in the DRC and Angola through the Zambian route.
“I am happy that in April 2026, we inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Zambia for us to cooperate in implementing the Kafue to Lion’s Den greenfield railway project. I urge those charged with follow-ups and implementation of the Kafue-Lion’s Den Project to start working mechanisms to make good this project. I wish to see NRZ getting into symbiotic relationship and revive passenger trains. I also wish to encourage smart collaborations among our entities. Efficient railway services are in the best interest of road administrators as it guarantees sustainability and longevity of our roads. My condolences to those families who lost their loved ones in an accident that happened at a rail crossing in triangle and I pray for the quick recovery of those that were injured in this fatal accident,” the minister said.
Minister Mhona said the Ministry has also effectively utilised Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in road construction projects.
“ This is evident in our implementation of PPP projects that have already received Cabinet approval. Some examples of these approved projects include: Harare-Nyamapanda Road; Kwekwe-Nkayi Road; Old Gwanda Road; Mutare By-pass Project and Joshua M. Nkomo Road; Harare-Chirundu Road; Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Project; MutareMasvingo Road; Birchenough Bridge Project and Harare- Kanyemba,” he said.
He said in the first half of 2026, they witnessed remarkable progress in their national infrastructure development agenda.
“The Harare–Beitbridge Highway Upgrade, one of the largest and most transformative transport projects in Southern Africa, is moving towards completion. The remaining stretch is on track for finalisation by the end of this year. This milestone marks a significant enhancement of the North–South Corridor, dramatically reducing travel time, lowering vehicle operating costs, and improving road safety. Along this highway, we opened the Mucheke and Manyame Bridges. The Victoria Falls Road is also progressing steadily.
“Within the framework of kilometre-by-kilometre approach, we will soon celebrate the completion of the Bulawayo to Victoria Falls Road rehabilitation programme,” he said.
Minister Mhona said the Ministry is on an accelerated drive to reopen several maintenance units across all 10 provinces that have been inactive for some time.
Additionally, he said, they are focused on enhancing their maintenance units by improving equipment, staffing, and meeting their ancillary needs.
He said this is essential as all their roads require ongoing maintenance and regular inspections, underscoring the importance of revitalising these units.
On one of the projects, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique have since completed a draft proposal on the implementation of the Ponta Techobanine Project.
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