eBusiness Weekly
Michael Tome & Kudakwashe Mhundwa
HARARE – One of Zimbabwe`s leading fuel supply companies Total Zimbabwe says Government should work on issues concerning railway network to promote efficiency in the fuel distribution system with the aim of boosting the energy sector and the country’s economic fortunes in general.
This comes as the National Oil and Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC) last year announced that it was targeting an end to bulk transportation of imported fuel by road, as this will help preserve the country’s infrastructure.
The bulk of imports come from Mozambique through the pipeline lining from Beira to Feruka in Mutare and Msasa in Harare.
The rest of fuel products come mainly from Matola in Southern Mozambique or Johannesburg in South Africa through rail or road.
Addressing journalists during a media tour of the company’s depot in Harare yesterday, Total Zimbabwe managing director Ronan Bescond said the refurbishment of rail would be a major boost for the country`s fuel sector and whole energy industry.
“Zimbabwe needs a good railway system, the railway system is there but requires refurbishment, and this would be a very big boost for the fuel industry if we could use more rail, as it will lead to additional volumes,” said Mr Bescond.
Mr Bescond noted that a good rail network presents vast prospects for economic growth as the country is located at the centre of Southern Africa, hence a critical part linking Southern and Central Africa railway system.
“Frankly, Zimbabwe is strategically located in a very dynamic region, this will be a good boost for the country as it is the central hub to deliver to countries like Democratic Republican of Congo(DRC), Zambia and Malawi,” he added.
Total Zimbabwe purchases most of the fuels it distributes from Total Oil trading and Total South Africa.
Meanwhile Zimbabwe government is currently immersed with deals that are aimed at speeding up the revival of the National Railways of Zimbabwe and create thousands of jobs given the company’s inter-linkages with other critical sectors of the economy.
