The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has successfully repaired the section of the Rutenga-Chicualacuala line that was damaged by heavy rainfall.
In a statement issued this Monday, the NRZ confirmed that the line was reopened to traffic just before 11 PM on Sunday, saying:
<blockquote>
The NRZ informs all its stakeholders that the rehabilitation of the section of the Rutenga-Chicualacuala line, which was washed away by rainwater, has been completed. The line was reopened to traffic last night at 2250hrs.
We applaud the employees who worked tirelessly to ensure that the tracks were restored and trains can run smoothly.
</blockquote>
On Friday, January 17, the NRZ reported major washaways on several sections of its rail lines due to the ongoing heavy rains.
The parastatal stated that the South East Line has been especially impacted, with 360 meters of track washed away on the Rutenga-Mbizi section and another 120 meters lost on the Rutenga-Beitbridge line.
The NRZ explained that these areas typically experience below-average rainfall, but are now facing unusually high rainfall, a trend attributed to climate change.
While similar washaways have occurred in the past, including on the Mozambican side of the border, the company noted that the current damage is the most severe in recent years.

Pindula News

The NRZ fixed a train track damaged by rain. The track washed away but now it's fixed. The repair was completed on Sunday night. The heavy rains caused lots of damage to other train tracks too. Climate change is making the rain worse. The company fixed the track so trains can run smoothly again. The damage this time was the worst in many years. The NRZ praised its workers for fixing the track.

NRZ Restores Rutenga-Chicualacuala Rail Line After Storm Damage

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has reported unprecedented washaways on parts of its rail lines due to the ongoing heavy rains.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 17, the NRZ said the South East Line has been particularly affected, with 360 meters of track washed away on the Rutenga-Mbizi section and another 120 meters lost on the Rutenga-Beitbridge line.
The NRZ explained that these areas typically receive below-average rainfall each year, but are now experiencing unusually high rainfall due to climate change.
The statement further explained that these regions are particularly vulnerable to such incidents due to their natural topography.
While similar washaways have occurred in the past, including on the Mozambican side of the border, the current damage is the most severe in recent years. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) wishes to inform the public, customers and all stakeholders that due to the ongoing incessant rains, we are experiencing washaways on some parts of our lines, particularly on the South East Line.
The heavy rainfall has resulted in the water flow overloading existing drainage structures.
Areas that have been adversely affected include the Rutenga-Mbizi section where 360 metres of tracks were washed away and also a section along the Rutenga-Beitbridge line where 120 metres of tracks were washed away, with gullies reaching two metres in some areas.
These are areas that normally receive below average rainfall per year and, due to climate change, they are 
now getting unusually high rainfall.
The area is susceptible to such incidents because of its natural topographic formation. Although we have previously had similar experiences in the same corridor over the past few years, including on the Mozambican side, this has been worse than any wash away we have seen before.
We would also like to assure the nation that our infrastructure teams are working around the clock to restore the track and ensure safe resumption of train operations.
Until repairs are completed, the affected section of the line will remain temporarily suspended.
Realigning of the line is now at 90% complete. The teams are now working on reballasting the area and applying quarry fines before the line can be reopened.
Currently, we have wagons loaded with ballast and quarry fines from our Nalatale Quarry Mine in Shangani already on the way to the sites and we are expecting the line to reopen and return to full functionality on Saturday, 18 January 2025.
We are pleased to report that no injuries to personnel or damage to rolling stock have been recorded.
To our valued customers and all stakeholders, we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is having issues with their rail lines because of heavy rains. Parts of the rail lines have been washed away, especially on the South East Line. This is happening because the areas are getting more rain than usual due to climate change. The NRZ is working hard to fix the tracks and hopes to have the line up and running again soon. No one has been hurt, and they are sorry for any inconvenience.

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