22 Mar 2016

Railways by nature play an important role as economic enablers, President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has said. 

Speaking at the launch of the reinstated passenger train service in Lobatse on Tuesday March 22, President Khama said the reinstated train would not only provide a greater mobility for citizens, but would also help the country to strengthen and stimulate the economy. 

President Khama said the passenger train had created economic opportunities for most Batswana, adding that it offered opportunities for catering services, cleaning services, sanitation  and security services.

He therefore encouraged people to use and take care of the train as an alternative mode of transport, enjoy the comfort of it while also enjoying the beauty of the country as the train steered through it.

Lt Gen. Dr Khama said he was delighted that the passenger train was launched at a time when Botswana was celebrating 50 years of  independence as a united and proud nation, noting that the independence of Botswana could not go without the mention of a railway as it played an important role in the establishment of Botswana as a British Protectorate and subsequently as a republic. 

Botswana’s forefathers, he said had many stories to tell about rail transportation when it was the only convenient and reliable mode of transport. He said the passenger train service would also form part of activities lined up to celebrate Botswana’s 50^th anniversary hence the newly procured coaches to traverse the country carrying the BOT50 logo.

President Khama explained that the stoppage of the passenger train service was attributed to the fact that the coaches were in an unacceptable condition and there was a high level of risk for the organisation as well as to the passengers hence not viable to continue. “It was therefore logical to discontinue the passenger train service at that time,” he said.  Howevr, he said, it was  realised that year after year there had been an increase in traffic density on the roads resulting in traffic congestion.

It was in this view that government accepted recommendations from a study commissioned by Botswana Railways through the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which showed high demand for the train to be brought back.

President Khama therefore said Botswana Railways as a commercial enterprise of the government had a primary mandate to provide efficient and cost effective railway transportation of goods and passengers within the borders of Botswana. 

For his part, the Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry Mr Sadique Kebonang said for a long time, people waited for the re-instatement of the passenger train service and was delighted that it had indeed come.  He said the reinstatement therefore called for players in the different sectors of the economy, to use the opportunity presented and “make your hay”.

With all the packages that the train is coming with, such as WIFI and air conditioning, Mr Kebonang called on all to delight in the conveniences packed in the train service.  He also encouraged all to support Botswana Railways and its staff in delivering the best service to Batswana and all users of the train.

He encouraged all to cherish the train as a symbol of national pride and delight in seeing it traverse the country, carrying the Botswana brand. Botswana Railways has procured 37 coaches which will operate the service between Lobatse and Francistown. The service will be operated as night trains on a daily basis and day trains will be operated during public holidays in addition to the night service to cater for demand.  Ends