Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 49:2023
Enhancing Safety and Sustainability in Public Transport:
A Conversation with Arnold Sivhada, SHERQ Executive – Bombela Operating Company
SHERQ Executive
Bombela Operating Company
Espresso
Bite-size takeaways
Happy Holidays!
2023 has been a year of tremendous growth and focus for the rail sector in Africa, with numerous successes. Long-standing projects have finally moved forward – the most recent being the funding for Burundi and Tanzania to start Phase II of the Joint Tanzania-Burundi-DR Congo Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project. The Lobito Corridor and the Zambia-Lobito rail line in southern and central Africa have been among the most talked-about projects this year. Also noteworthy is The Trans-Kalahari Railway Project, which attracted 12 expressions of interest. Not to be overlooked in this year’s top ten projects are Morocco’s call 150 regional and 18 high-speed trains and the ongoing railway developments in Egypt, as well as the funding approval for Namibia’s railways. These are just a few of the many exciting developments on the continent.
Even in countries like South Africa, where the rail sector has faced challenges, there is renewed focus and attention. With funding coming through from treasury and the imminent announcement of new CEOs for both Transnet Group and Transnet Freight Rail, we are hopeful for improvements. The Passenger Rail Agency has also made significant strides in network recovery.
There’s no doubt that rail is taking centre stage in Africa, a trend we hope continues well into 2024 and beyond! On that note, on behalf of the Railways Africa team, I wish you well over the festive season. We look forward to catching up with you all again in the New Year, starting 15 January 2024! Take care and be safe over the holidays.
Ps: If anything exciting happens over the holiday season we will post it on our LinkedIn page.
In Case You Missed It! Government Approves a R47 Billion Guarantee Facility in Support of Transnet’s Recovery Plan
Noteholders are advised that on 01 December 2023, the Minister of Finance announced that he has concurred with the Minister of Public Enterprises to issue Transnet with a R47 billion guarantee facility in support of Transnet’s Recovery Plan. The guarantee facility is effective immediately and will assist Transnet to raise the required funding for debt redemptions and liquidity requirements as part of the Recovery Plan communicated to noteholders on 26 October 2023.
Announcement including further details on the guarantee framework – Go to media release.
Revival of Railways in Senegal: Visit of Belgian Partners to SNCFS
In addition, representatives from Future Resources seized the opportunity to tour the train maintenance centre in Thies, gaining insights into the local operational capabilities.
A separate session was held for the evaluation and follow-up of the works undertaken by CFS in Kaffrine. This meeting included a comprehensive discussion with all involved stakeholders, emphasising collaboration and progress assessment in the ongoing railway projects.
PRASA: Update on Long-distance Passenger Rail Services
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has received additional locomotives from Transnet to address the impact of unreliable old locomotives that disrupted some of the trips on the recently reintroduced Mainline Passenger Services (MLPS).
PRASA and Transnet are also working closely to ensure effective mitigations are in place to ensure trains will reliably arrive at their destinations.
A revised timetable has been drawn up that reflects the impact of the operational challenges experienced in the first week since the service was returned.
Contract Signed for the Exploration of the Port of Lobito
11 December 2023, in Benguela, Africa Global Logistics formalised the signing of the concession and operation contract for the Multipurpose Container and General Cargo Terminal of the Port of Lobito. The signing ceremony was held in the conference room of the Terminus Hotel in the city of Lobito.
The concession contract stipulates the exploration and management of the terminal’s infrastructure for 20 years. This agreement grants the rights to use and exploit the terminal, which is part of the public domain of the Port of Lobito, operating under the landlord port management system.
Cape Town Container Terminal Receives Seven Additional Gantry Cranes
On 11 December 2023, the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) received a delivery of seven pre-used rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs). The acquisition of the RTGs is part of Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) turnaround plan, whose key priorities include equipment availability to support operational efficiencies.
The delivery of the RTGs coincides with the peak of the deciduous season, which is the busiest time for the terminal. The acquisition of RTGs is a display of TPT’s commitment to the industry and stakeholders as more reliable equipment directly leads to improved productivity while also ensuring seamless vessel movement within the port.
New appointment at the Central Bank of West African States
The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has appointed a new manager for Togo, namely Akuwa Dogbe Azoma. The new country director was officially introduced to members of the National Credit Council (CNC) on Thursday, December 14, in Lomé.
Previously based in Dakar, the headquarters of the regional institution, where she held several senior roles, Akuwa Dogbe Azoma has made history as the first woman to take on the role of National Director of the BCEAO for Togo. This was highlighted by the Minister, Advisor to the President of the Republic, Simféitchéou Pré, during her presentation.
In Lomé, she takes over from Kossi Tenou, who is now moving to Dakar to assume his new position as Advisor to the Governor of the Central Bank.
Kenya: Construction Of The Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail Line
Friday, 15 December 2023, marked the official inauguration of the construction of the Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail Line at Vet Farm in Ngong. This 12.5 km railway line will feature four stations: Riruta, Karen, Bulbul, and Ngong, starting from the existing Metre Gauge line near the Riruta area. The completion of the Riruta-Ngong Commuter Corridor is poised to enhance the railway network and significantly improve connectivity within the Nairobi Metropolitan Region (NMR), helping to alleviate traffic congestion along the Ngong-Karen route and its surrounding areas.
The modernisation of the Nairobi Commuter Rail service is a key part of a wider initiative, which includes the revitalisation of other key railway lines in the region. Kenya Railways remains committed to providing affordable and reliable transport solutions to the people of Kenya and the larger Great Lakes Region.
The ceremonial tightening of the nut by a high-ranking official marked the commencement of the project’s construction. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including government officials, local leaders, and senior management from Kenya Railways. Their presence underscored the significance of this project in the ongoing development of the country’s transportation infrastructure.
The African Integrated Railway Network
It was a great privilege to participate in the African Integrated Railway Network (AIRN) Project Technical Experts meeting, held from 12-14 December in Addis Ababa. We extend our sincere appreciation to the African Union Infrastructure and Energy Department (IED) team, GIZ, and the Ethiopia Railways Corporation team for their hospitality and constructive engagement throughout the three-day technical workshop.
The interviews and reports will be featured in our first issue of 2024.
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