Namibian cabinet discusses rail crisis
Posted: 01 Feb 2012, 11:44
NAMIBIAN CABINET DISCUSSES RAIL CRISIS
Railways Africa On January 31, 2012 In Namibia
During December 20111, the Namibian cabinet held a special meeting to discuss what was described in the press as the railway “crisisâ€, following four derailments that cost the country “millionsâ€. Ministry of works permanent secretary George Simataa was quoted explaining that the entire Nanibian rail system – last reconstructed in the nineteen-fifties – requires upgrading. A commission was established in 2009 to look into the implications and in particular the projected cost – which was foreseen to be in the region of M$7 billion. “Other matters†came into the picture and the process of finding funding did not proceed.
Every day, an average of eight freight trains use the line between Tsumeb and Walvis Bay. According to technical reports, the rails between Kranzberg and Tsumeb (400km) need to be replaced, at an estimated cost of N$4 million per kilometre. Speed restrictions are in place along this entire length.
Fuel spills at various points are said to have polluted the environment. At least N$1 million is needed to carry out cleaning operations.
Every day, a safety inspection trolley checks the line from Otjiwarongo to Omaruru (137km) before a train traverses the section. Between Erundu and Otjiwarongo (32km), a speed limit of 15km/h applies.
Railways Africa On January 31, 2012 In Namibia
During December 20111, the Namibian cabinet held a special meeting to discuss what was described in the press as the railway “crisisâ€, following four derailments that cost the country “millionsâ€. Ministry of works permanent secretary George Simataa was quoted explaining that the entire Nanibian rail system – last reconstructed in the nineteen-fifties – requires upgrading. A commission was established in 2009 to look into the implications and in particular the projected cost – which was foreseen to be in the region of M$7 billion. “Other matters†came into the picture and the process of finding funding did not proceed.
Every day, an average of eight freight trains use the line between Tsumeb and Walvis Bay. According to technical reports, the rails between Kranzberg and Tsumeb (400km) need to be replaced, at an estimated cost of N$4 million per kilometre. Speed restrictions are in place along this entire length.
Fuel spills at various points are said to have polluted the environment. At least N$1 million is needed to carry out cleaning operations.
Every day, a safety inspection trolley checks the line from Otjiwarongo to Omaruru (137km) before a train traverses the section. Between Erundu and Otjiwarongo (32km), a speed limit of 15km/h applies.