By Petronella Sibeene
WINDHOEK
TransNamib last Friday received eight locomotives that will complement its aging fleet that has been operational for four decades.
Yesterday, Chief Executive Officer of TransNamib John Shaetonhodi said the eight locomotives are part of the 17 that are expected to be delivered by the Chinese based company-Sisang. Nine more locomotives are expected in mid July 2007.
The purchase according to Shaetonhodi was made through an N$250 million loan agreement with the Export and Import Bank of China.
The 17 locomotives cost N$40 million while the others would bring the total figure to N$250 million.
“Once they are all here, the locomotives will complement the old ones and TransNamib will have enough capacity for transport in the country,” he said.
Considering that rail mass transportation has made a significant quantum leap technologically, moving at an increased pace in recent years, Namibia remained stagnant despite recording modest economic performance.
Before the new purchase, TransNamib had 52 locomotives manufactured 40 years ago by the General Electric Company of the USA.
The new locomotives are expected to be commissioned by next week.
Currently, engineers are installing radios for communication purposes before the locomotives start rolling.
While some members of the public might view Chinese manufactured products as cheap, the CEO assured that the locomotives are of good and strong quality.
Early this year, TransNamib received 200 wagons from China.
The tanks are for the transportation of fuel and harsh chemicals needed for industries. The rolling stock added 35 percent in motive power, 30 percent increase in fuel carrying capacity, and 15 percent increase in multi-purpose carrying wagons.
The Minister of Works, Transport and Communication commended the company saying that strengthening the transport sector especially the railway will contribute to the economic growth of the country immensely.
He added that the government has confidence in China and its products.
But Shaetonhodi bemoaned the high fuel prices saying the company is feeling the pinch.
While annual adjustments are made to make provision for fuel increases, it is not always possible to recover the amount the company spends.
Although he could not reveal the exact amount spent, he said the company spends over N$20 million on diesel annually.