Mutorwa announces landmark deal

The Namibian minister of works and transport, John Mutorwa, officially signed the agreement for the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line Project during a Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) meeting held on 2 February 2024 in Swakopmund.Eric Molale, the minister of transport and public works of Botswana, joined the occasion, which marked a crucial step towards the recognition of the cross-border railway initiative.Expressing satisfaction with the commitment and progress demonstrated by the rail authorities and senior officials, both ministers emphasised adherence to stated timelines. They reaffirmed their dedication to deepening strategic cooperation and partnership in transport infrastructure while nurturing the existing warm bilateral relations between Botswana and Namibia.The collaboration signifies a significant milestone for the enhancement of socio-economic development and fostering strong ties between the two nations. Construction on the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line is expected to commence in 2025, and this will mark a transformative moment for regional connectivity and economic integration.“After a series of discussions, we have concluded by signing an agreement to investigate 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.Molale said in his statement that while Botswana and Namibia are just facilitators and probably the owners of the railroad, the initiative is being executed in the interest of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area initiative as well as the SADC Regional Integration Plan, with both documents calling 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.”Accompanied by key officials and dignitaries, Mutorwa, together with Esther Kaapanda, the executive director of the ministry and co-chair of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC), welcomed their Botswana counterparts, Kgakgamalo Ketshajwang, the permanent secretary in the ministry of transport and public works. The JMC, led by co-chairs Kaapanda and Ketshajwang, discussed crucial aspects such as the Expression of Interest (EOI) floated in September 2023 and the proposed operational budget for the Trans-Kalahari Railway Project Management Office (TKR-PMO) for the 2024–25 financial year.The ministers recalled the approval of the EOI, which paved the way for funding the study and development of the Trans-Kalahari Railway, during the previous JMC meeting in August 2023. Acknowledging the progress made, the ministers approved the reinforcement of the TKR PMO with the necessary expertise to accelerate the drafting of comprehensive terms of reference for the Request for Proposals (RFP). These are expected to be issued to short-listed respondents by March 2024, with the appointment of a successful respondent anticipated by May 2024, aligning with the project’s roadmap.

Mutorwa announces landmark deal

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Mutorwa announces landmark deal

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