'Working trains promote AfCTA'
Lebogang Mosikare | Tuesday December 20, 2022 06:00
Director of Transport Policy and Planning in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Orapeleng Mosigi said at the Friday launch of the Through Working Trains (TWT) here that rail is one mode of transport that can integrate countries and regions in general for the benefit of people.
Mosigi was giving a keynote address where Botswana Railways (BR) and National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) signed a MoU in respect of the TWT. The AfCFTA agreement is envisaged to create the largest free trade area in the world measured by the number of countries participating. Mosigi stated that the signing of the MoU between BR and NRZ signifies that the relationship between the two railway entities is deep and rich.
Mosigi added that the relationship between BR and NRZ was cemented by the Presidents of Botswana and Zimbabwe through the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC).
“The common denominator between BR and NRZ is to increase efficiencies and make sure that our regions are fully integrated and not in competition. Let us broaden our relationship to other spheres,” said Mosigi.
BR CEO, Chelesile Malele said that through the MoU, BR locomotives will go to Bulawayo as opposed to Plumtree as was in the past. Malele said that she hopes that the TWT will further deepen cooperation between BR and NRZ adding that “the MoU will encourage us to work together and there shall be no ambiguity”.
Her Zimbabwe counterpart, Respina Zinyanduko, expressed the same sentiments. Zinyanduko, who was attending the ceremony virtually, stated that the MOU will improve efficiencies and will have socio-economic benefits for people not only in SADC but other regions. When giving welcome remarks, deputy mayor of Francistown, Lesego Kwambala said the partnership between BR and NRZ will help to develop the rail network between Botswana and Zimbabwe and provide more direct links that would benefit both countries economically, socially and culturally.