The Railways And The Zimbabwe Coal Crisis Of The Late 1980s

Abstract

Zimbabwe experienced several shortages in the late 1980s when the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) failed to transport coal from the single colliery (Wankie) then in operation in the country to the consumption centers. This caused problems in a number of 'industries across the country. Some industries, particularly the tobacco, electricity1 generation, and sugar industries, which use a lot of coal in their operations were seriously affected’ The aim of this paper is to discuss the problems experienced by the NRZ as highlighted during this coal crisis which reached a peak in 1988 and 1989.