05 Mar 2020

Chairperson of the board of enquiry into the 2019 Botswana Railways (BR)  train  accident has expressed concern that BR civil engineering department allowed trains to move based on information from “incompetent staff”.

Mr Olefile Moakofi was speaking on Wednesday at the ongoing BR public hearings on the accident, which occurred on December 10  near Pallaroad, killing two BR employees.

He was commenting on acting civil engineer, Mr Johnson Thupane’s statement that he relied solely on information provided by the patrolling team which had informed engineering manager, Mr Baboloki Phuthego, that the water level was low and there was no threat, therefore trains could move.

The chairman noted that the patrolling team was led by Mr Leano Koomantswe, at the time acting track master, and who according to testimony,  did not possess either the qualification or relevant skills required for the position.

Mr Moakofi also reminded Mr Thupane, who was appearing before the board for the third time, that  he previously told the board that BR patrol teams were never assigned to carry out on-track inspections without the supervision of a permanent way inspector.

He said it worried him that prior to the accident, the team was assigned to assess water levels around the railway line without the supervision of an inspector and their assessment was used to make a decision on movements.

Another board member, Mr Gofaone Morweng noted that BR Train Working Regulation 207 required that in stormy weather, the engineering department should patrol the section, inform operations control centre accordingly and put appropriate measures in the event there was danger.

The regulation also states that the inspector and other concerned employees must be particularly watchful during wet weather and when floods  were expected.

“During that time, they should inspect every part of the line likely to be affected by the storm water and, if possible, also to note that before the passage of any train action was taken on water in culverts and bridges,” said Mr Morwaeng.

If wet weather continued, the regulation states that the length should be patrolled day and night and watchmen stationed at these places where damage may be expected.

“These precautions must be continued until there is no risk,” he said.

Asked if his department complied with Regulation 207 requirements, Mr Thupane responded in the negative.

The enquiry was ordered by Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Thulagano Segokgo, in line with BR Act, to look into circumstances surrounding the accident and come up with recommendations on improvement of BR systems, operations or safety to curb the occurrence of similar incidents. ENDS