Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 47:2023
Mastering Mobility:
A Behind-the-Scenes Journey into Bombela Operating Company’s Operational Brilliance with Gautrain
Aside from the Gautrain project being recognised as one of the most successfully executed Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in this region, it also exemplifies the true essence of localisation and skills transfer when carried out correctly. This transition is evident in the journey of the Bombela Operating Company (BOC). Initially managed by an international team from its parent company, RATP-Group based in France, the BOC, responsible for operating and maintaining the Gautrain system under the Concession, has evolved into predominantly a South African-operated enterprise. Due to the integration of localised skills, capabilities, and operational support, BOC stands in a prime position to not only continue with the Gautrain services, but also offer their seamless multimodal integrated public transport system solutions, into the rest of the Southern African Region.
Espresso
Bite-size takeaways
Opportunity: Expression of Interest: Assessing Electric Battery and Hybrid Options for Nairobi’s Commuter Rail Rolling Stock
A Request for Expression of Interest is issued to engage a firm with extensive capability and experience in the analysis and simulation of energy requirements for urban and commuter rail operations. The primary objective of this assignment is to assess the technical and financial viability of electric battery and hybrid options for the commuter rail rolling stock within the Nairobi Metropolitan area. The firm will also be required to prepare recommendations on functional specifications for the trainset and any necessary charging facilities.
South Africa Trade, Industry and Competition Invites Comments From Interested Parties On Key Aspects Of Scrap Metals Policy
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has published a request ‘for comments from interested parties on key aspects of the Scrap Metals Policy namely:
the proposal to extend the temporary prohibition of the export of certain ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal,the extension of the temporary suspension of the Price Preference System insofar as it relates to certain ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap Metal,a further restriction on the export of copper semi-finished products, andtemporary prohibition of the export of used or second-hand rails and subject rails to Export Control.
The trade directive and notice form part of Phase 1 of the Policy Implementation Actions on Measures to Restrict and Regulate Trade in Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Waste, Scrap and Semi-Finished Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal Products to Limit Damage to Infrastructure and the Economy published in Government Gazette No. 47627.
Comments can be sent via email to: scrapmetalpolicy@thedtic.gov.za
Opportunity: Consultancy Services on the Second Tanzania Intermodal and Rail Development Project
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for consultancy services to support the implementation of the Second Tanzania Intermodal and Rail Development Project (TIRP-II). This follows the General Procurement Notice that appeared in March 2023. The Tanzanian Government, having received a credit from the World Bank for the TIRP, plans to apply a portion of these funds for consultancy services. The services sought include providing experts to assist with TIRP-II for an expected duration of twenty-four months.
Deadline for submissions is 18 December 2023.
The Luxembourg Rail Protocol set to enter into force on March 8, 2024
The Luxembourg Rail Protocol to the Cape Town Convention will enter into force in contracting states (Luxembourg, Sweden, Spain and Gabon, and possibly also South Africa and Paraguay), on March 8, 2024.
This date was announced on November 15 by the Ratification Task Force of the Preparatory Commission, the intergovernmental group mandated to pilot through the implementation of the Luxembourg Rail Protocol in collaboration with UNIDROIT and OTIF. The Rail Working Group, RWG, also participates in this group and is actively involved in managing plans for the operation of the new international registry.
Unlocking Potential: The Impact of Open Rail Access in East, Central and Southern Africa
Nimon Zulu, CEO of Calabash Freight Limited, is looking to play his part in transforming rail operations in East, Central and Southern Africa through open access on the Dar es Salaam Railway Corridor.
He shared this vision with more than 500 participants from 42 countries and 158 companies at the recent International Forum devoted to the “Financing of Rail Projects in Africa”, held from 19 to 21 October 2023 in Diamniadio-Dakar.
Calabash Freight Limited, a rail logistics company, was established to cater to the growing need for freight solutions in Africa. Based in Zambia and Tanzania, Calabash has a local and international partnership structure with over three decades of rail freight experience on the African continent. Their expanded operations aim to cover TAZARA, ZRL, and SNCC networks, setting themselves up as a turnkey rail-based logistics and integrated intermodal solutions provider.
Exploring Railway Safety and Innovation
Eswatini Railways
Talking Safety! Join us in this insightful episode of “Coffee with the Editor” as we engage in an in-depth conversation with Sicelo Mashwama from Eswatini Railways. As the head of railway safety, security, quality, and environmental management, Sicelo provides an insider’s view of the operational complexities and strategic initiatives shaping the future of Eswatini’s railway network.
Sicelo shares insights on how Eswatini’s rail network, though modest in size, is vital for regional connectivity, especially with South Africa and Mozambique. He discusses the critical role Eswatini Railways plays in ensuring safe and efficient transit traffic. Gain insights into the unique challenges facing Eswatini Railways, including issues related to wildlife, community interactions, and level crossings. Discover the innovative approaches being implemented, such as early warning systems on tracks and technological advancements for enhancing safety at level crossings.
Sicelo also touches on the ESRL Rail link project and other initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and fostering economic growth in the region.
Thinking Railway Safety: Insights and Innovations with Gibela’s Bennie de Ru
One of the key challenges Bennie highlighted was meeting the high safety standards required in train manufacturing, especially for local manufacturers in South Africa. He emphasised the need for a shift in thinking – from merely working safely to embedding safety as a fundamental process.
In our discussion, Bennie underscored the importance of continuous improvement. He spoke about Gibela’s involvement in localisation and design optimisation and their collaboration with Alstom and local suppliers. Maintaining the right level of safety is a dynamic process, necessitating constant refinement and collaboration.
When asked about the presentations he had listened to during the #IRSC2023 event, and if anything in particular stood out for him, Bennie noted one pressing element that needed to be addressed, that being “safety culture,” and highlighted the recurring theme of the “Human Factor”.
Pioneering Humanisational Performance
in Rail Safety
At the recent International Railway Safety Council conference in Cape Town, Railways Africa Magazine, had the opportunity to sit down with Ron Farris, Chief Operations Officer of HOPE Consulting LLC & High Reliability Partners LLC. Our discussion delved into the intricate world of Human Organisational Performance (HOP) and its critical role in enhancing safety and efficiency in high-risk industries like railways.
Humanisational Performance: A New Paradigm: Farris illuminated the evolution of the concept from a narrow focus on individual workers to encompassing broader organisational dynamics. This shift acknowledges that understanding and modifying organisational influences are crucial in shaping workforce behaviours.
The rail industry, characterised by its dynamic and high-risk nature, was a key focus of our conversation. Farris shared insights from his presentation on managing risk in such environments, drawing parallels with lessons learned in the commercial nuclear and defence sectors. He emphasised the need to move beyond a mere regulatory approach to a deeper understanding of human and organisational factors that drive behaviours.
Critical Steps: Identifying the Point of No Return: A significant highlight of our discussion was Farris’s recent book, “Critical Steps”, which addresses the pivotal moments in operational processes where errors can lead to significant consequences. He stressed the importance of simplifying complex concepts for frontline workers, ensuring they are relatable and actionable.
Universal Challenges and Tailored Solutions: Farris acknowledged the similarities in human behaviour across industries, noting the shared challenges in managing human error. He underscored the importance of customising strategies to specific industry needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.
Overcoming Misconceptions about Risk: Farris highlighted a common issue across various industries: the frontline workers’ misconceptions about risk. By breaking down tasks and educating workers on the nuances of risk, Farris believes that industries can significantly improve safety outcomes.
The Role of Discipline and Structure: Drawing from his experience in the Navy, Farris discussed the importance of discipline and structured processes in embedding safety cultures across industries, noting the challenges of adapting these principles outside military environments.
Looking Ahead: Technology and Safety: In closing, Farris touched upon the potential of technology, particularly AI and big data analytics, in enhancing real-time risk management and accident prevention in the rail industry.
Farris’s insights at the International Railway Safety Council conference shed light on the critical intersection of human and organisational performance in enhancing safety in high-risk industries. His work underscores the importance of tailored, accessible, and technology-enhanced strategies to mitigate risks and foster a culture of safety.
In-Depth with Hector Danisa:
Gibela’s Future Beyond PRASA Trains
In this engaging episode of “Coffee with the Editor,” recorded at the International Railway Safety Council’s Conference 2023 in Cape Town, we sit down with Hector Danisa, CEO of Gibela Rail Transport Consortium. The focus is on exploring what lies ahead for Gibela after delivering 600 trains for PRASA.
Don’t miss this insightful discussion that highlights the future of rail transport in Africa and the critical role Gibela plays in shaping it.
Investing in Cameroon’s Railways
In this ‘Coffee with the Editor’, filmed during the International Railway Safety Council’s Conference in October, we sat down with Jean Ntah, Director of Transport at Camrail, to discuss the evolution and future projects of Cameroon’s railway system.
Navigating Angola’s Railway Renaissance
Bombela Operating Company Equipped for Gautrain’s Next Chapter and Southern Africa’s Urban Transit Revolution
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