Tujoromajo Kasuto
The Gobabis railway line, which has been non-operational for almost two years, is to be revived to service the local Namibian market and the crucial Botswana, Gauteng and Zimbabwean markets.
TransNamib, Acting Executive of Commercial and Marketing Zebby Mukungu says the line, which is expected to be opened by the first week of April 2022 serves as an integral part of
TransNamib’s plan to be an inter-connector to landlocked countries and to implement its Road-to-Rail strategy.
Transnamib however, cautions everyone residing, farming and staying next to the railway line to take note of this announcement and keep their animals, children and their activities away from the railway line. “Please take note that as per our governing laws and regulations: the trains and locomotives have the first right of passage, especially at level crossings and we are not responsible for any losses, injuries and damages caused by trains while operating on our railway lines,’’ Mukungu warned.
He added that they will be operating in and through towns and villages as well as farming land and therefore appeal to the residents and farmers to be on the look-out for oncoming train(s).
He further pleaded to the public to ‘’report any suspicious activities or obstructions on the railway line, as well as wash-aways by rain at their localities to their Control Office on Tel: +264 61 – 298 2429’’.
Gobabis will serve as a logistics hub providing an integrated transport logistics solution to serve markets in the SADC region, thus leading to increased train service to and from Gobabis.
