Landmark Namibia, Botswana Trans-Kalahari railway spotlighted
Works and transport minister John Mutorwa has officially signed an agreement for the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line Project during a joint ministerial committee meeting held on 2 February in Swakopmund, Namibia.
His Botswana counterpart, transport and public works minister Eric Molale, was present at the meeting to mark a crucial step towards the recognition of the cross-border railway initiative.
“After a series of discussions, we have concluded by signing an agreement with regard to investigating the possibility of constructing a railway line from the sovereign territory of Botswana, which, once it is visible and practically implemented, will link with the railway line in Namibia,” Mutorwa confirmed.
In his statement, Molale said: “Botswana and Namibia are just facilitators and probably the owners of the railroad, but we are doing this in the interest of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area initiative as well as the SADC Regional Integration Plan, where both documents call on member states to improve and expand on their infrastructure.”
“That should become a catalyst for speedy economic growth for Africa and for the southern nations."
Crucial discussions
The committee, led by the Namibian transport ministry's executive director Esther Kaapanda and her Botswana counterpart Kgakgamalo Ketshajwang, discussed crucial aspects of the project, including the proposed operational budget for the 2024–25 financial year.
In acknowledgment of the progress made, the ministers approved the reinforcement of the Trans-Kalahari Railway Project Management Office with the necessary expertise to expedite the drafting of comprehensive terms of reference for the request for proposals. These are expected to be issued to short-listed respondents by March, with the appointment of a successful respondent anticipated by May 2024, aligning with the project's roadmap.
Expressing satisfaction with the commitment and progress demonstrated by rail authorities and senior officials, the ministers emphasised the importance of adhering to timelines. They reaffirmed their dedication to deepening strategic cooperation and partnership in transport infrastructure while nurturing the warm bilateral relations between Botswana and Namibia.
Construction on the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line is expected to commence in 2025, marking a transformative moment for regional connectivity and economic integration.
His Botswana counterpart, transport and public works minister Eric Molale, was present at the meeting to mark a crucial step towards the recognition of the cross-border railway initiative.
“After a series of discussions, we have concluded by signing an agreement with regard to investigating the possibility of constructing a railway line from the sovereign territory of Botswana, which, once it is visible and practically implemented, will link with the railway line in Namibia,” Mutorwa confirmed.
In his statement, Molale said: “Botswana and Namibia are just facilitators and probably the owners of the railroad, but we are doing this in the interest of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area initiative as well as the SADC Regional Integration Plan, where both documents call on member states to improve and expand on their infrastructure.”
“That should become a catalyst for speedy economic growth for Africa and for the southern nations."
Crucial discussions
The committee, led by the Namibian transport ministry's executive director Esther Kaapanda and her Botswana counterpart Kgakgamalo Ketshajwang, discussed crucial aspects of the project, including the proposed operational budget for the 2024–25 financial year.
In acknowledgment of the progress made, the ministers approved the reinforcement of the Trans-Kalahari Railway Project Management Office with the necessary expertise to expedite the drafting of comprehensive terms of reference for the request for proposals. These are expected to be issued to short-listed respondents by March, with the appointment of a successful respondent anticipated by May 2024, aligning with the project's roadmap.
Expressing satisfaction with the commitment and progress demonstrated by rail authorities and senior officials, the ministers emphasised the importance of adhering to timelines. They reaffirmed their dedication to deepening strategic cooperation and partnership in transport infrastructure while nurturing the warm bilateral relations between Botswana and Namibia.
Construction on the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line is expected to commence in 2025, marking a transformative moment for regional connectivity and economic integration.
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