12 Dec 2022

Botswana Railways (BR) has not been given any subvention in the past 10 years, Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Eric Molale has said.

However, government provided funds amounting to P12.5 million for installation and protection of five level crossings during the 2018/19 financial year, he told Parliament during the Ministers’ question time.

With regards to maintenance of rail infrastructure, upgrading of railway stations perimeter fencing and installation of boom gates, Botswana Railways had used about P53 million of self-generated revenue to undertake projects.

Mr Molale said Botswana Railways  was given over P680 million under the development budget in the past 10 years for restructuring and recapitalisation as well as studies related to the development of Mosetse–Kazungula and Mmamabula-Lephalale rail links.

He said currently a bankable feasibility study for the two rail links was ongoing and it was expected to be completed during the 2023/24 financial year.

He said Botswana Railways  utilised a total of P578 million from internally generated revenue to undertake some projects.

Mr Molale also said Botswana Railways, with the support of the ministry, had a five-year strategic plan articulating its intentions.

The plan covers the period 2021 to 2024.

Mahalapye West Member of Parliament, Mr David Tshere had asked the minister to appraise Parliament on Botswana Railways  and how much was given to the organisation as government subventions in the past 10 years.

He also wanted to appreciate  its development budget in the last 10 years.

Mr Tshere also wanted to know the amount used on the maintenance of rail infrastructure, the upgrading railway stations, perimeter fencing and boom gates.

This also includes funds used to procure locomotives and wagons, refurbishment and new rail extension network as well as the ministry’s turnaround strategy for Botswana Railways. ENDS