By Rex Mphisa
FAR away from Rutenga (route-anchor), precisely about 200 kilometres as the crow flies, Zimbabwe quietly launched its resuscitation of the old Malvenia railway route in what appears a long term answer to simmering hostilities in South Africa.
The Malvernia railway route, also historically known as the Limpopo railway or the Gweru-Maputo railway route, is a major 900-kilometre cross-border rail line connecting Zimbabwe to the sea via Maputo in Mozambique.
It kills the distance between the sea and Zimbabwe in the south corridor by close to 1 400 kilometres to Maputo and Xai Xai rather than Durban, pointing at a new possibility for Zimbabwe and SADC, a safer alternative from the volatile SA.
Briefly the route’s key details show the line runs from Somabhula (near Gweru, through to the Port of Maputo in Mozambique creating the Malvernia Link, a specific Bannockburn-to-Malvernia section completed in 1955.
This is the third direct route to the sea for then Rhodesian (now Zimbabwean) trade, connecting at Malvernia on the Mozambican border with the line leading to Lourenço Marques (now Maputo).
Frankly, it is a safer alternative than violent South Africa where a wave of uprisings against African black foreigners has taken centre stage.
And a small siding at West Nicholson, Matabeleland South on Monday reopened the forgotten route expected to save millions of dollars in fuel costs and running hours than the long violent route to Durban through Beitbridge by road and rail.
The Minister of State For Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe on Monday commissioned the Malvenia route as he dispatched the first consignment of lithium ore concentrate to Maputo by rail at the US$1.5 million siding at the once beef giant West Nicholson.
“The commissioning of the West Nicholson Siding signals the beginning of a new chapter for rail transport in Zimbabwe. It reflects the tangible results of the visionary leadership of the Second Republic and our commitment to building modern, efficient transport systems that support economic growth and industrialisation,” he said.
Nguluvhe described the described the project as a landmark investment that ushers in a new era of rail transport, trade and economic development in Zimbabwe.
“The project is a practical demonstration of Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, investment promotion and public-private partnerships in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2),” he said.
The rediscovered route is a result of strategic partnership between Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (BBR), the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) and SilverGill, and this collaboration demonstrated the importance of partnerships between Government and the private sector in driving investment, creating employment and stimulating economic growth, said Nguluvhe who was guest of honour.
He said Government is committed to providing a conducive policy environment that attracts investment while promoting an efficient and integrated transport system.
He would engage the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona on proposals to increase the movement of heavy cargo by rail saying shifting bulk freight from roads to rail would reduce pressure on the national road network, lower maintenance costs and create a balanced transport system where rail carries heavy cargo while road transport complements rail services.
“Long-term success of the West Nicholson Siding will depend on increased cargo agreements, continued collaboration among stakeholders and sustained investment in Zimbabwe’s railway infrastructure,” he said.
“Today, the train departing for Maputo is carrying not only cargo, but also the hopes, aspirations and economic future of the people of Zimbabwe. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected and prosperous nation.”
The commissioning concluded with the successful dispatch of the first train carrying lithium ore concentrate from West Nicholson to the Port of Maputo, marking a historic milestone in Zimbabwe’s rail transport and logistics sector.
Several senior government officials from Matabeleland South, the Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (BBR) General Manager, Mr. K.T. Mabvura; representatives from SilverGill; representatives from the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ); and representatives from the Gwanda and West Nicholson Transport Office attended the launch.