The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has come under heavy fire following a social media storm over images showing a brick security wall constructed across what appears to be a railway line in Harare’s Willowvale industrial area.
The viral photos, which surfaced over the weekend, sparked nationwide outrage, prompting the NRZ to issue a defensive statement clarifying the situation.
According to the rail parastatal, the structure was erected on a disused, privately-owned siding leading to a defunct factory now being demolished after its acquisition by a Chinese-owned company.
“The wall was built to secure property at 44 Tilbury Road. It does not obstruct an operational railway line, and the NRZ has no mandate over the disused line,” the NRZ said, adding that their team had spoken with a company director, Ms. Li, who claimed the wall was a security measure to deter theft.
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However, critics are not buying the explanation, and pressure is mounting from ordinary citizens who accuse the NRZ of either complicity or incompetence.
Veteran journalist Hopewell Chin’ono publicly lambasted the NRZ saying:
“Your statement is pitiful… Unless there is documented evidence of official decommissioning of the railway siding, change of land use, and municipal approval, the wall is very illegal!”
Citing the Railways Act [Chapter 13:09], Chin’ono emphasized that NRZ remains the authority over railway infrastructure, including private sidings, and that any permanent structure built on such land requires formal clearance from both the NRZ and the City of Harare.
“Private ownership does not automatically mean unrestricted construction rights,” Chin’ono added, quoting the NRZ’s own policy that states sidings “are subject to approval by us.”
Social media users were quick to pile on the criticism.
“Ko kwainzi kanzuru yakatumira vanhu vakapashaya?” asked @DysonMurwira.
“Are you not ashamed?” wrote @monya4hire1 on X.
“There are Chinese involved so even if it’s your railway, you would eventually fold,” charged @bull_not_dozer, hinting at rising public distrust over perceived preferential treatment of foreign companies.
