By Own Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Amalgamated Railways Workers Union (ZARWU) has condemned the recent arson attacks following the burning of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) wagons.

This comes after fire broke out last week at NRZ’s Bulawayo workshop destroying 44 decommissioned coaches and another in Harare a few days later.

In a statement, the workers group criticised the suspicious arson attacks on the back of calls for the police to hold the perpetrators to account.

“These two incidents appeared to be well coordinated arson attacks on this national asset. It must be noted that for whatever reason these attacks are meant for, ZARWU condemn in the strongest terms such shameful, archaic and barbaric acts meant to harm our national asset. In fact, such retrogressive acts must not be allowed to take place in our lifetime, not again.

“We strongly believe that these attacks are meant to water down the achievements that the NRZ board and Management has made in their quest to recapitalize and modernize our Railway system,” he said.

Furthermore, ZARWU said the Railway Industry has been enjoying a peaceful environment under the leadership of the General Manager Respinah Zinyanduko who has from the time of her appointment utilized social partners  to develop the Railways.

“As workers we want to reaffirm our resolve and commitment to protect this national asset which was created out of our forefathers’ blood and sweat. Thousands of workers draw their livelihoods from NRZ and surely thousands of workers cannot just stand aside and watch this existential threat to our livelihoods unfold without taking appropriate lawful actions to assist the police in their investigations.

“Meanwhile, we remain hopeful that the Zimbabwe Republic Police will arrest the culprits and allow the law to take its course,” added ZARWU.