08 Apr 2014

Sinking of railway line around the Central Business District (CBD) can be considered. However, it needs to be highlighted that this can cause a risk of exhaust gas emissions in the tunnel/ underground.

The Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Nonofo Molefhi informed Parliament that the exhaust fumes could be fatal to the train operators as well as being detrimental to locomotive engines due to insufficient oxygen consumed in the running of locomotives.

He stated that this would be viable option if all Botswana Railways trains were using electric locomotives albeit being a ‘very high’ capital intensive proposal.

Therefore, Mr Molefhi said for now the sinking of the railway around CBD in Gaborone was not viable option to be considered at this point in time.

MP for Palapye, Mr Moiseraele Goya had asked the minister if he would consider revisiting the CBD master plan by sinking the railway so as to adjoin the CBD with the government enclave given its infrastructural developments. ENDS