18 Dec 2017

Minister of Transport and Communication, Mr Kitso Mokaila says the Gaborone Container Terminal or (Gabcon) will now be used to receive goods from overseas.

This was announced at the launch of eight Botswana Railways (BR) locomotives by President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama in Gaborone on December 14.

Minister Mokaila said people would timeously, safely and cheaply receive their goods from overseas. He said it would be used with the country’s other dry port in Walvis Bay, Namibia.

He also explained that the location of (Gabcon) was chosen to advertise it to the business community. He added that he was impressed with what BR had achieved, but that like any other Motswana, he believed BR could still do more.

He said after 30 years of existence, it was important to introspect and see how the railway could move forward to remain competitive and transform to the dictates of the market.

Minister Mokaila also said BR could not raise enough funds alone to finance the project, adding that additional funds were requested from government.

“We are grateful that government acceded to the request despite the economic challenges the country is facing, as there are other competing needs, especially health and education,” he said.

He explained that a transparent tendering process was undertaken and that Electro Motive Diesel (EMD) was selected amongst other bidders to manufacture and supply the eight locomotives.

For his part, Botswana Railways board chairperson, Mr Adolph Hirchfeld said the acquisition of the locomotives translated into a significant expenditure running into millions, and that what remained as part of BR’s challenges was to recapitalise and revitalise its business programmes.

He said the procurement signified government’s continued commitment to support BR.

He noted that in the recent past BR was able to replace its aging fleet of wagons through the support of government.

Mr Hirchfeld assured the nation that BR would maintain the locomotives in an acceptable state of repair at all times notwithstanding the constraints and limitations that the organisation had.

Botswana has come a long way before BR was established in 1987, and the organisation has played an important role in the socio-economic development of the country.

Having gone through different phases since Mr Cecil John Rhodes laid the railway line back in 1897, Batswana have benefited from the railway line.

Botswana Railways turned 30 years of existence this year. BOPA