23 Mar 2016

The re- instatement of the Botswana Railways passenger train is a sign of government’s commitment towards converting the transport industry into a robust engine of economic growth, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo has said. 

Speaking at the official launch of the Botswana Railways passenger train service in Lobatse on Tuesday, Minister Mabeo said the re-instatement of the passenger train would have a significant impact on people's lives and the economy.

Minister Mabeo said the re-instatement process was not an easy task by any standard but they have persevered.

He said the ministry's plan was to see transport services and infrastructure exceeding the expected efficiency, safety, quality and cost effective requirements of the modern times and being accessible to all.

For his part Botswana Railways chief executive officer, Mr Dominic Ntwaagae, said it all started when the organisation conducted a business case study for the project that included an internal market study in 2012. 

The major recommendation resulting from the business case was a public desire to re-instate the passenger train.

“We were cognizant as to why the passenger train service was stopped in 2009 and going forward we learnt  lessons from the business model that we had at that time”, he said.

Therefore, forging ahead with the project, Mr Ntwaagage said Botswana Railways designed a business model, incorporating, lessons learnt, current reality, as well as assumptions to address the future demands.

He said the re-instatement of the passenger train service was viable and the project included key work packages such as the procurement of passenger coaches, upgrading and refurbishment of station buildings, procurement of ticketing and public address systems and other services like cleaning, security, sanitation and catering.

Mr Ntwaagae said in order to manage and execute the project effectively, a steering committee was established internally to manage the project implementation. 

He indicated that his organisation faced a lot of challenges during the project implementation such as conclusion of the user requirement specification. 

However, he said the team managed to remain focused on the project and managed to deliver.  

He appreciated the dedication by the manufacturer, adding that though they faced tough times, what kept them going was to have the final product.

Transnet Engineering chief executive officer, Mr Thamsanqa Jiyane expressed gratitude to the people of Botswana for entrusting his company with a project of this magnitude.

He said the delivery of the train confirmed the progress the company had made in advancing towards becoming Africa’s leading manufacturer of rolling stock.

Transnet Engineering delivered 22 passenger coaches engineered and manufactured in Pretoria and Cape Town. It was the first batch of the 37 coaches Botswana Railways had ordered.

Mr Jiyane promised to deliver the remaining 15 coaches during the course of the year, which was in line with the company's commitments.

 

The passenger train started its services yesterday with the 22 coaches comprising of business and standard coaches. Ends