Giant load turns heads
18 July 2019 | Transport
At an average speed of 25 kilometres per hour, a super-abnormal freight operation transporting a 175-tonne transformer from Johannesburg to a NamPower substation just outside of Otjiwarongo will be completed after an estimated six-week journey.
Over the weekend, the 14-member crew in charge of transporting the transformer began the last leg of a journey through South Africa and Botswana when they arrived at the Buitepos border post.
Yesterday morning, the convoy began to carefully make its way into Windhoek, first down Sam Nujoma Drive, then Nelson Mandela Avenue and finally Robert Mugabe Avenue on the last few legs of the journey.
Traffic authorities in Windhoek had prepared to ensure the operation could proceed smoothly.
Wiseman Musekiwa, the HoD of Eskom Multi-axles, yesterday praised Namibian authorities for their “exceptionally excellent” cooperation in terms of logistical support, police escorts and other assistance.
He said their help had enabled the crew to reduce their travel time by an estimated two to three days as a result of being able to travel further on average each day with the help of Namibian traffic support.
The crew averaged around 60 kilometres per day in South Africa and Botswana, but say things have picked up in Namibia where they have been able to increase daily distances.
The transformer was transported to Eskom-Rotek Industries in September 2018 for repairs.
The transformer is being transported on a wide 'Nicolas' Monoblock Beam wagon-trailer combination with two Western Star truck-tractors attached to the front of the trailer via drawbars and one Western Star truck-tractor attached to the rear of the trailer via a drawbar.
The cargo is being accompanied by vehicle escorts, including private and police vehicles.
JANA-MARI SMITH
Over the weekend, the 14-member crew in charge of transporting the transformer began the last leg of a journey through South Africa and Botswana when they arrived at the Buitepos border post.
Yesterday morning, the convoy began to carefully make its way into Windhoek, first down Sam Nujoma Drive, then Nelson Mandela Avenue and finally Robert Mugabe Avenue on the last few legs of the journey.
Traffic authorities in Windhoek had prepared to ensure the operation could proceed smoothly.
Wiseman Musekiwa, the HoD of Eskom Multi-axles, yesterday praised Namibian authorities for their “exceptionally excellent” cooperation in terms of logistical support, police escorts and other assistance.
He said their help had enabled the crew to reduce their travel time by an estimated two to three days as a result of being able to travel further on average each day with the help of Namibian traffic support.
The crew averaged around 60 kilometres per day in South Africa and Botswana, but say things have picked up in Namibia where they have been able to increase daily distances.
The transformer was transported to Eskom-Rotek Industries in September 2018 for repairs.
The transformer is being transported on a wide 'Nicolas' Monoblock Beam wagon-trailer combination with two Western Star truck-tractors attached to the front of the trailer via drawbars and one Western Star truck-tractor attached to the rear of the trailer via a drawbar.
The cargo is being accompanied by vehicle escorts, including private and police vehicles.
JANA-MARI SMITH
Classifieds