Works budgets billions for roads, railways

The works ministry has budgeted N$1 billion for upgrading the country's railway network.

Introducing his budget vote, works minister Alfeus !Naruseb said there was a need for new railway lines, as well as maintenance and upgrading of existing lines.

“The antiquated rolling stock and other equipment supporting the provision of railway services need to be modernised to improve availability, reliability and efficiency. Thus, increased spending on these programme activities to improve railway transportation services is anticipated,” he emphasised.

The ministry further earmarked N$1.4 billion for the planning and development of transportation infrastructure.

According to him, this project aims to develop world-class transportation infrastructure and to maintain it in a safe and serviceable condition for the duration of the design life.

This includes the construction of gravel roads, tarring of gravel roads, rehabilitation of roads and the construction, upgrading and maintenance of state-owned aerodromes.

“The Ministry of Works and Transport has put a lot of effort into its endeavour to restore Namibia's status of having excellent transportation infrastructure in the sub-region. This programme seeks to ensure that Namibia has modern and reliable transportation infrastructures that are well maintained and are cost-effectively managed. The objective is to guarantee access by rural communities to economic and social centres as well as to link Namibia with neighbouring countries and other parts of the world through the ports,” said !Naruseb.

!Naruseb's call for money comes at a time when Namibia is poised to become an export hub for the SADC region.

These sentiments have been repeatedly expressed by President Hage Geingob, who believes that the country's railway system is in bad shape and needs to be improved.

JEMIMA BEUKES