The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) says it will auction its disused wagons and other obsolete metals which have become expensive to repair.
The auctions will be conducted by Desired Liaison Auctioneers at NRZ headquarters in Bulawayo as well as in Harare this week.
Newly appointed spokesperson, Andrew Kunambura, told State media that the proceeds from the public auction will be used to refurbish operating wagons and procurement of new ones. Said Kunambura:
NRZ is a heavy user of metal, which is used in the manufacture of wagons and their respective components.
Some of these wagons were acquired many years ago and are obsolete. Once this happens, the wagons are scrapped and from time to time the NRZ sells this scrap metal.
However, this is the first time NRZ is disposing of its scrap metal through the public auction system.
Previously, the NRZ disposed of its scrap metal through the tender process.
It’s also the most transparent way of asset disposal as all bids are called out to all participants and award is done in full view of everyone.
Proceeds from the public auction will be used to refurbish wagons in use and procurement of new wagons.
Viewing will be done at least a day before the auction and since wagons are scattered along the railway line in various places within the country, viewing will be for just a sample, in Harare and Bulawayo.
Wagons will be sold using wagon number, estimated tonnage and location. Only ungraded scrap will be disposed of, which means it excludes wheels and axles as the organisation is intending to use the graded scrap for its induction furnace.