adminWINDHOEK. – NAMIBIA and Botswana have signed the R129 billion Trans Kalahari project that will link the two countries and eventually improve transportation of goods between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) members.
The Memorandum of Understanding paves way for the long-awaited construction of the railway link between the two countries.
It is envisaged the project would create thousands of jobs for the two countries.
According to the Namibian National Planning Commission director general, Tom Alweendo, the agreement to construct the multibillion-rand railway project would stimulate trade relations in the SADC region.
“We are glad to see the signing of the agreement as this will benefit Namibia and Botswana. The railway project will also help many other SADC countries and falls within the framework of regional integration.
“We have been looking at coming up with projects that benefit the better part of the project and this is it,” Alweendo said.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Namibian Minister of Works Erkki Nghimtina, emphasised that the railway project would be constructed after the railway agencies in the two countries finalised their engagements.
The agencies are expected to create a joint venture company to drive the project. The project will also have space for private sector to participate through financing.
Upon completion the railway project would culminate in Botswana transporting its coal to its export markets through the Walvis Bay Port in Namibia. – CAJ News.
Online Reporter