VANDALISM & THEFT PLAGUE NRZ
Posted on 08 August 2009
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has lost more than $US29 million through theft of overhead catenary contact wires over the past six months. Lieutenant-Colonel Shadreck Ndabambi, who was seconded to the NRZ assist with security, says the theft and vandalism resulted in the loss of business, which has adversely affected the country’s economy. Quoted by the state daily The Herald, he said: “The NRZ like any other public utility has over the past years suffered from serious acts of vandalism which has all but left the electrified section of the rail track between Harare and Dabuka virtually paralysed”. The criminal acts have reached unprecedented levels, causing serious disruptions to train operations. They caused cancellation and delays, with some passenger trains running as much as 15 hours behind schedule. ”The delays also resulted in the late delivery of industrial raw materials, agricultural inputs and other essential commodities,” the Lieutenant-Colonel said.
The government recently enacted a law providing for stiff penalties for vandalism of railway infrastructure as well as minimum mandatory prison terms.
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