25 Mar 2014

Even though Botswana and Namibia are historically attached as strong cross border trade partners, the relationship continues to be nurtured as witnessed by the signing of a bilateral agreement on the development of the Trans-Kalahari Railway line.

The agreement was signed recently at Walvis Bay by the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila on behalf of the Botswana government while Namibia was represented by the director general of National Planning Commission, Mr Tom Alweendo.

As a landlocked country, Botswana will greatly benefit from the deal as the railway line will open international markets for the coal from Mmamabula. The proposed railway line is not the first project of its kind linking the two countries and aimed at increasing trade and diversifying Botswana’s export routes.

It is an add on trade route following the construction of the 1900km Trans Kalahari tarred highway that runs from Walvis Bay in Namibia through Botswana and connecting to South Africa.

One of the projects already taking off the ground at Namibia as a result of the mutual agreement between the two countries is the development of a dry port which will also be located at the Port of Walvis Bay. The dry port project turned into a reality after the two countries signed a 50-year agreement in 2009 to lease a piece of land measuring approximately 36 000 square meters.

Coupled with the 1500km railway line and the highway, the project will assist Botswana to unlock potential to international markets that will ultimately propel economic diversification and Foreign Direct Investment.

At the signing of the bilateral agreement on the development of the railway line, coal terminal and associated holding facilities, Mr Mokaila indicated that the project ensured realisation of SADC vision of regional integration.

Mr Mokaila said the railway line was expected to boost trade in Botswana and other land locked countries in Southern Africa. Minister Mokaila said Botswana was rich in coal deposits exceeding 200 million tonnes adding the situation called for a potable market to be identified for the coal that would be mined at Mmamabula.

He added countries like China and India were potential destinations for the product as coal was still in high demand in those countries. Chief Executive Officer of NAMPORT, Mr Bisey Uirab, said Walvis Bay was a natural gateway for international trade.

Mr Uirab said the Port of Walvis Bay was Namibia’s largest commercial port receiving approximately 3000 vessels each year and handling about 5 million tonnes of cargo. The other port is the Port of Luderitz.

Mr Uirab also applauded the bilateral agreement on the development of the Trans Kalahari Railway line as a positive project would help the economy of Botswana grow.Namibian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Netumbo – Nandi Daitwah said the project marked the growth of relations between the two countries.

Mr Daitwah said the Trans Kalahari tarred highway was also one of the significant projects as it did not only benefit trade in the two countries but other landlocked countries dependent on the Port of Walvis Bay for their exports.

Minister Daitwah said Walvis Bay was not only a port of entry but also boosted the tourism sector. He the port was the only place in the world where a tarred road demarcated a sea full of life with different water plant and animal species while on the other side of the road lay beautiful sand dunes.

The Ambassador of Botswana to Namibia, Ms Tshenolo Modise also applauded the growing business relationship between the two countries. “As neighbours we share a lot in common in terms of trade and therefore the project will be of great benefit as it will necessitate transportation of goods to the international market,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer of Botswana Railways, Mr Dominic Ntwaagae said his office would see ensure construction of the railways satisfied all requirements as they would be supervising the work.

He said the planned 1500km railway line would run from Mmamabula parallel to the existing one and divert at Rasesa passing at the proposed Tshele hill fuel resevours west of Rasesa. He said the railway line would also pass near Letlhakeng in Kweneng District and run parallel to the Trans Kalahari tarred highway en route to Walvis Bay, Namibia. Ends