Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 19:2024
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Bite-size takeaways
Nigeria: Lagos-Kano Rail Line to Commence Freight Services Soon, Says Federal Government
The Federal Government has announced that freight services on the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge rail line will begin shortly. During an inspection tour in Kano, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work and anticipated that the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), will complete the project according to schedule. The minister highlighted that operations are expected to start by May or June, focusing initially on container transport to the Dala Inland Dry Port.
Sen. Alkali emphasised the numerous benefits expected from this development, including reduced business costs, fewer road traffic accidents, preservation of highways, and significant contributions to the country’s GDP growth. He detailed the ongoing works, including earthwork and the preparation of rail lines and sleepers, essential for using locomotives to transport materials along the rail line.
Transnet Engineering
Change Of Leadership
Transnet has announced the retirement of Transnet Engineering Chief Executive, Mr. Ralph Mills, effective 1 May 2024. Ms. Bessie Mabunda has been appointed as the Acting Chief Executive of Transnet Engineering, with immediate effect. Prior to this appointment, Bessie was the Transnet Interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) and Acting General Manager for Rail Network and Capital Projects. In her role as the Interim IM, she has been instrumental in the establishment of the Interim Infrastructure Manager, and publishing of the draft Network Statement, as Transnet prepares for third-party operators on the rail network. Ms. Mabunda has worked in Transnet for over 10 years, holding various roles in Capital Projects, Engineering Design and Train Operations Planning and Execution.
Mr. Sandile Magenuka will act as the General Manager: Rail Network and Capital Projects and Thembi Lekganyane will act as the Interim Infrastructure Manager.
South Africa’s Department Of Transport Seeks Service Provider For The Development Of A Maputo Corridor Business Case
The Terms of Reference outline the appointment of a service provider tasked with developing a business case for the Maputo Corridor for the Department of Transport over 12 months. Following the 2005 Cabinet approval of the National Freight Logistics Strategy (NFLS), the Department of Transport was mandated to map and institutionalise various freight corridors through public-private partnerships and enhance integrated planning. The NFLS identified the Maputo Development Corridor (MDC) as crucial, featuring a transportation corridor from the east-coast Port of Maputo to Gauteng and surrounding areas, supported by rail, road, and port facilities.
The need for this project stems from issues such as inadequate road infrastructure, inefficient border management, outdated customs procedures, and a lack of performance monitoring systems that create bottlenecks in freight transport along the Maputo corridor.
The scope of work for the service provider includes developing an integrated business case for the Maputo Corridor to streamline freight logistics, investigate logistics costs, and identify infrastructure and technology improvements. The goal is to enhance efficiency and economic development along the corridor with relevant stakeholders. The objectives are to deliver on the NFLS mandate for institutionalising the corridor and developing strategic investment requirements. Expected deliverables from the service provider include a project plan, inception report, stakeholder consultation programme, status quo analysis, and a financial model for the corridor.
Cairo’s Metro Line 3 Set to Begin Passenger Trials for Final Segment on May 15, 2024
With the initiation of passenger trials in this final section of the third line, Metro Line 3 will become fully operational for public use, covering 41.2 km with 34 stations. It serves as a crucial artery connecting the east and west of Greater Cairo and integrates various components of the railway transport network. Additionally, this line interacts with multiple other transit services and features extensive maintenance facilities.
Progress on
Mutare-Machipanda Line
The National Railways of Zimbabwe announces that work has commenced on the rehabilitation of the 10km Mutare-Machipanda line. The project involves the installation of new sleepers along the stretch, the replacement of worn-out rails, and the addition of new ballast.
Sierra Leone’s Leone Rock Metal Group Receives Advanced New Locomotives from China
Leone Rock Metal Group has celebrated the completion of its
12-million-ton mineral processing plant, the acquisition of ten new locomotives, and the disbursement of its largest Community Development Agreement (CDA) Fund payment.
On 10 May, CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd. noted the handover of “the world’s most powerful narrow-gauge AC drive diesel locomotives exported by China to Sierra Leone, which are set to operate in Tonkolili, Sierra Leone for the first time.” This batch of locomotives, manufactured by CRRC Ziyang under CRRC Corporation Limited, is designed for African narrow-gauge railways. The locomotives adopt advanced AC transmission technology and are equipped with a 3680 kW medium-speed diesel engine, capable of completing 10,000 tons of heavy-duty traction in double-locomotive configurations. Multi-system integration technology is an innovative approach to enhancing the safety and reliability of the locomotive.
From contract signing to locomotive development and final delivery, CRRC Ziyang managed to complete this project in less than three months, setting a new record for the shortest development time of diesel locomotives.
Everybody Wants Rail To Succeed
In a recent interview, Phillippa Dean, Railways Africa Magazine editor talks to Russell Baatjies, CEO of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) about TFR’s strategic direction, ongoing collaborations and formidable challenges.
Unpacking Transport and Logistics Investments with Stanbic Bank
Join us in this Coffee with the Editor as Phillippa Dean speaks with Lester Anderson of Stanbic Bank, a key sponsor at this year’s Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event, held in early April 2024. Dive into a comprehensive discussion about the pivotal role of Stanbic Bank in financing transport and logistics across Zambia and the broader region.
Lester shares insights on the bank’s strategic approaches to asset financing, bespoke solutions for logistics challenges, and exciting opportunities in rail and green financing. Discover how Stanbic Bank leverages its vast network and partnerships, including those with Chinese manufacturers, to provide cost-effective and efficient solutions in the transport sector.
The interview also touches on the potential for private sector involvement and the bank’s flexible approach to funding infrastructure projects, emphasising sustainable and renewable solutions.
Subsahara Gemstone Exchange Develops Multi-Facility Economic Zone In Ndola, Featuring A New Railway Terminal
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed during the Land Linked Zambia 2024 event in April, we are joined by Phesto Musonda, President and Chairman of Subsahara Gemstone Exchange. Phesto discusses his plans to develop one of Zambia’s biggest inland ports to facilitate trade and the movement of goods. This includes establishing a regional railway terminal within their multi-facility economic zone situated in Ndola, on the Zambian Copperbelt. Strategically located near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), this zone is poised to become a cornerstone “hub” for regional trade.
Musonda elaborates on the economic zone’s design to support trade and logistics, including the expected addition of an electric battery plant. The strategic placement of the railway line operated by Zambia Railways will enhance the accessibility and connectivity, pivotal for the zone’s success in facilitating trade.
Stay tuned as we look into the future of transportation in Southern Africa and the pivotal role this new terminal could play in enhancing regional trade and logistics.
Advancing Regional Transport in Zambia: A Glimpse into Land-Linked Zambia 2025
During the Land-Linked Zambia 2024 conference held in early April, we had a brief ‘Coffee with the Editor’ session with Chimwemwe Nyirenda, Founder & MD of Africast, the organisers of the event. Chimwemwe shared insights into the third annual conference, highlighting Zambia’s crucial role in regional transport and logistics despite its landlocked status. The discussion also explored the assembly of stakeholders from across Southern Africa, who gathered to explore investment and business opportunities along Zambia’s key transport corridors. Furthermore, Chimwemwe outlined the vision for the fourth Land-Linked Zambia conference, scheduled for 10th to 11th April 2025.
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