TransNamib is set to invest N$1.7 billion to purchase 23 new locomotives, as part of a major fleet upgrade aimed at boosting the country’s rail transport capabilities.
The company will also spend N$311 million to rebuild seven existing locomotives, a process that involves dismantling and refurbishing each one to extend its operational lifespan by another 20 years.
This comes as the company in June acquired funding from the Development Bank of Namibia (N$500 million) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (N$2.1 billion).
According to TransNamib CEO Desmond van Jaarsveld, the N$2.6 billion investment would be allocated toward the company’s rolling stock.
“But this is what we’re going to procure. I think the most important thing is the new locomotives, 23 in total. We are also rebuilding seven, and when I say rebuild, I mean we take the whole thing apart. It’s like Lego, everything is dismantled. The locomotive is broken down into 110 pieces, and it takes about three to four months to refurbish each part, from the turbo to the engine. Once reassembled, it will last for another 20 years,” he said.
He further explained that the company would also be upgrading the workshop, particularly in terms of mechanical and heavy-duty equipment, steam boilers, and other tools to the tune of N$ 29 million.
Van Jaarsveld said N$249 million would be allocated for the procurement of 300 wagons, handled by the Central Procurement Board.
The board will oversee the procurement process, including specifications and criteria for the equipment.
He also clarified that no funds would be allocated for bonuses, as all the money is intended for equipment and refurbishment, which is essential and long overdue.
He pointed out that 80% of the existing locomotives are over 50 years old. Two locomotives are currently being refurbished at the workshop, a collaborative effort between contractors and TransNamib personnel.
As part of this process, staff are also being retrained in locomotive refurbishment.
“We’ll revive the older ones as well. In the meantime, we’re refurbishing two locomotives right now in our workshop. We have a contractor on-site working alongside TransNamib personnel, and part of the process is retraining our staff in locomotive refurbishment,” he said.
