20 Mar 2016

Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo says Botswana Railways is working round the clock to restore movement of trains between Gaborone and Lobatse.

This followed an incident in which a train pulling 14 wagons travelling to Lobatse overturned last week following heavy rains which had left the rail lines exposed after its foundations were damaged and left unsupported. 

Minister Mabeo visited the scene just a few kilometres from Taung and he expressed hope that the rail line would be repaired quickly despite heavy rains in the area. 

He added that all the 14 wagons, which belonged to the Botswana Railways would also need to be repaired. Again, he indicated that the train driver and his assistant had since been declared fit. 

However, the minister noted that the accident was not the first but the Botswana Railways continued to learn from such misfortunes to ensure safer rail routes. 

He further regretted the accident’s impact on the movement of trains as well as Botswana Railways business because the organisation made its income through transporting goods.

Thus, he said prompt refurbishment of the rail would ensure that businesses that relied on Botswana Railways were not adversely affected. 

On the other hand, the minister encouraged Botswana Railways to periodically assess its rail line to assure safety of trains and passengers. 

Further, he said they were hopeful that accidents would not impact on the re-introduction of passenger train. 

He also asserted that they would also ascertain safety of the rail lines before restoring train movements. Ends