No foul play � Mabeo
Innocent Selatlhwa | Thursday March 31, 2016 18:00
Briefing journalists yesterday, Mabeo said, “People should understand that we bought coaches which came with the generator van, and I can assure you they are brand new, I have visited the Transnet workshops in Cape Town and Pretoria and witnessed the manufacturing at various levels,” he said. He dismissed as untrue, speculation that there could have been foul play and called on those with such claims to show him the way so he can investigate.
The minister said they have since drained the contaminated diesel which caused the problems. Mabeo however could not explain how it happened, stating that investigations are still underway on the matter.
Mabeo said the cancellation of some trips by the train was due to a mechanical fault that led to coaches experiencing problems in the air conditioning, ablution, and lighting system. “We would like to assure Batswana that as of the 28th, we have managed to solve the main problem, drained the contaminated diesel, because the problems were mechanical, some instances of problems with the lighting, flushing system and air conditioning still remain in some coaches and will be dealt with,” he said.
Mabeo further said it was important for Batswana to note that the train is still in its commissioning stage and is under two years warranty, meaning the manufacturer Transnet Engineering is dealing with the faults. He said through their Mahikeng workshop, Transnet will be able to attend to any need timely.
On whether his ministry could have pressurised Transnet to deliver the train, thus giving them short notice, Mabeo said Transnet had assured them that the time allocated was enough. Meanwhile, more first class coaches are expected to be delivered in May.
Mabeo pleaded with Batswana to use the train as it was meant for them. “We are happy that even through the challenges, so far 2,691 Batswana have been patient and used the train, we might encounter other challenges, but we should use our train, it is ours, we have created employment through it, we have those providing security, catering and internet services amongst other things on the new train.”
On the readiness of the waiting rooms at the train stations, Botswana Railways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dominic Ntwaagae said they had not expected them to be ready when the train started transporting people. “We are not behind in constructing the stations at Lobatse, Gaborone and Francistown, the initial contractor could not deliver, the ones currently doing the job are on track,” he said.