2015-08-31Staff Report 2 Swakopmund Works and Transport Minister Alpheus !Naruseb said that plans are currently underway to revamp the country’s rail sector. !Naruseb was speaking at the 15th anniversary celebrations of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group that were held last Thursday in Swakopmund. According to !Naruseb, transformation of the country’s rail sector needs massive financial injection to align all transport sectors to be able to grow along with NamPort’s port expansion. “Renewed energy and investment will be required to enhance the railway sector. This includes the link between Kranzberg and Tsumeb, as well as new rolling stock for the rail sector. Namibia will continue to provide such infrastructure and facilities to increase economic value not only in Namibia but also across our border,” he said. Apart from applauding the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) for promoting Namibian corridors and increased trading opportunities for both Namibia and landlocked African countries, the minister said the WBCG made great strides to promote and market Namibia’s transport sector to facilitate cross-border trade. Through this and other government initiatives Namibia has offered trade opportunities and access to the global market to many landlocked countries such as Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. One of the desired outcomes of the WBCG as stipulated in the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP4) is to enable Namibia to become a regional leader in logistics, distribution and improved transport infrastructure, and to stimulate economic growth and social development, the minister explained. According to !Naruseb, massive investment in the maritime sector has already commenced. He added that the aviation sector as well continues to receive immense support and investment to upgrade and maintain the country’s international status. “Continuous efforts will be made in this sector with the potential of Namibia becoming an [international] air hub both for passengers and cargo.” “Therefore for us to make our logistics dream a reality all sectors, both private and public, need to commit and put strategies in place that will make this dream a reality.” 2015-08-31Staff Report 2
