MESSINA – The first thousand tons in a total consignment of some half a million tons of maize destined for Zimbabwe, has arrived here by train.

The bulk maize will be bagged in Messina for further shipment by road to famished Zimbabwe.

The first part of this consignment arrived by rail at the MAC inland harbour facility in Messina, where it is now being bagged by means of special equipment, installed specifically for the handling of this massive consignment.

The bagging project at Messina is being handled by Farmers World from Zimbabwe, for the Zimbabwean Marketing Board.

The managing director of Farmers World, Mr Ken Flavell said in an interview the rest of the consignment is expected to arrive at regular intervals throughout the rest of the year. His company hopes to bag the bulk maize at a rate of 500 tons per day.

Mr Flavell said his company is investing more than half a million rand in Messina for purposes of the project. The maize is being handled on contract for the Zimbabwean Grain Marketing Board (GMB).

The bulk maize will be off-loaded and bagged by means of a vacuvator installation at the Messina inland harbour facility

The maize handling project is the first major cross border operation at the inland harbour facility. This facility comprises a giant under roof storage facility with rail siding and administrative offices. It was erected by MAC (Messina Associated Carriers) to provide in the special cross border and inland marketing needs which have been developing off late.