Gov�t battles to shore up traffic at Dry Port
Pauline Dikuelo | Tuesday June 27, 2017 16:03
The Walvis Bay port was built about four years ago as part of government’s efforts to increase access routes for imports and exports to international markets, especially Europe and America.
However, the port has never been fully utilised, as traders still prefer the Durban port.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, deputy permanent secretary Isaac Moepeng, this then prompted government to come up with strategies that would attract volumes through lobbying to re-direct traffic to Namibia from Durban adding that there are ongoing discussions and consultations with the relevant government departments.
“In a drive to bring in more customers there are several marketing strategies that are being undertaken which comprise direct marketing to customer segments, cargo suppliers, shipping liners, shippers agents, cargo owners, clearing and forwarding agents where there are ongoing client meetings and several leads have been identified,” he said.
In addition, he said the government has also considered forming strategic partnerships with stakeholders in the supply chain like shipping liners and agents, freight haulers, clearing and forwarding agents.
He said information sessions in collaboration with aligned stakeholders being Trans-Kalahari Corridor Secretariat and Walvis Bay Corridor group targeting a wide audience are also going on.
According to Moepeng, the initiative where Dry Port authorities approached government to include a clause in their tenders that would give priority to the Walvis Bay port one is underway.
“The initiative is underway and relevant government departments have been consulted and are at an advanced stage. Our view is that where practically possible, especially for cargo coming or going to the West, the Botswana Dry Port should be a prioritised gateway,” he said.
He said currently the Dry Port handles on average over 100 vehicles per month from United Kingdom adding that there are other strategies being implemented to bring in more business.
The Dry Port facility, which is adjacent to the Namibian port, is operated by Sea Rail, a wholly owned subsidiary of Botswana Railways registered in Namibia.
The Dry Port offers container handling, vehicles and warehousing. In addition, the port offers packing and un-packing containers. The 36,000 square metre port has about 300 parking bays that can handle 4,800 cars annually.
Currently, the port has a P3.9 million facility that houses an administration block with the other developments expected to commence this year once the Environmental Impact Assessment has been completed.