MPs call for return of passenger train

Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Oreeditse Molebatsi on Wednesday dismissed government's position regarding Botswana Railway (BR) passenger trains and argued that the problems are exaggerated, as the coaches could still be used in the next decade.

Molebatsi, a former no-nonsense MP during his time as a backbencher, expressed shock that BR is contemplating selling the coaches to Mozambique and said the buyer would not need to spend much money on repairs. He criticised government for failing to manage a 400km railway line and attributed the increase of road accidents to the absence of a passenger train.

The assistant minister, a former General Manager of BR who was commenting on the budget allocation for the Ministry of Infrastructure, said the coaches for a passenger train have a lifespan of 40 years and wondered why the passenger train was stopped so abruptly.

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

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