TransNamib has revealed that 22 trains are earmarked for re-manufacturing in order to boost the parastatal’s running fleet.
The rail operator is currently plagued by prevalent derailments, putting a strain on its dwindling finances.
“We currently have 25 operational locos, while an additional 13 are under repair and another 22 are earmarked for remanufacturing,” TransNamib spokesperson Abigail Raubenheimer said.
She said the company spends a minimum of N$1 million and above for repairs of locomotives involved in accidents.
Her remarks follow inquiries regarding how much TransNamib incurs due to derailments, causes and its running fleet, after prevalent accidents.
Last month two TransNamib employees died when the train carrying 20 wagons derailed between Aus and Luderitz. There were four occupants, and the train was ferrying manganese.
“This year, we have experienced two major derailments. Naturally, the effects of these derailments put more pressure on an entity that is already challenged in terms of resources. In terms of costs, as many of these incidents are still being finalised with the insurer, we are not able to share a figure at the moment,” Raubenheimer said.
Asked about what benefits are accorded to victims who sustain injuries or succumb, she said, TransNamib’s Pension Fund makes provision for death benefits. In addition, the company’s insurance provides for injuries or deaths on duty.
This comes as the national railway operator is currently incurring a N$10 million monthly loss due to delays in securing funding for its Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) which was coined in 2018, with the aim of turning around the financial fortunes of the rail operator into a profitable entity.
TransNamib’s strategic plan sought to make a financial breakthrough in 2023, attaining a trustworthy customer experience by transporting three million metric tonnes of cargo by 2023.
The company is banking on a Development Bank of Namibia’s and Development Bank of South Africa’s credit facility to fund its turnaround strategy to the tune of N$2.6 billion.
