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The night train from Harare to Bulawayo used to be packed with passengers. But in the past 20 years, the Zimbabwean economy has derailed and the trains have been neglected.
Our train to Bulawayo will depart in three minutes time.
That means no electricity, no water, no sleeper cabins. Wisdom makes the US$5 journey 10 times a month, transporting fish to sell at market. He says it's the only way he can scrape a living.
Upcoming elections could mean a new dawn for the country. Free and fair polls are needed to spawn an influx of foreign investment. Nelson Chamisa, the young, enthusiastic leader of the opposition MDC Alliance, has even promised bullet trains. But the ZANU PF ruling party incumbent, Emmerson Mnangagwa, says that's far-fetched. His supporters believe youth is no substitute for experience.
The railways arrived here in 1897 to transport minerals, freight, and passengers. They opened the region to development, laying the foundations of modern Zimbabwe. And train enthusiasts believe the revitalised railway could help the country grow once more.
Many Zimbabweans left during the 37-year iron rule of Robert Mugabe as unemployment soared. Constance has eight children overseas and believes the election could be a turning point.
These carriages date from the 1950s and 2000s. Today they're carrying only around 30 people. Tourists are a rare sight. But despite the cold, the breakdowns, and the delays, some still prefer train to bus or plane.
After about 15 hours and 275 miles, the diesel electric engine pulls up in Bulawayo. Whatever happens to the railways here, even after polling on Monday, the country still has a long way to go.
[TRAIN BRAKES SCREECHING]
