It's the 'missing link' in the southern African network serving
South Africa, Bulawayo, Harare, Tanzania and the DRC
JUST FIVE months to the launch of the Beitbridge - Bulawayo railway line, BBR (Beitbridge - Bulawayo Railway), the privately-owned Zimbabwean-registered company which is behind the venture, is confident of a July 1999 send off.
The 317 kilometre line will reduce the distance between South Africa and Bulawayo by more than 200 kilometres and will provide what BBR c.e.o. Eitan Dvir describes as the 'missing link' in the southern African railway network serving traffic between South Africa and Bulawayo, Harare, Tanzania and the DRC.
The project involves the construction of 170 to 190 km of new rails and refurbishment of 140-150 kms.
Some 75% of the project is already complete, says Eitan. We've put down 100 km of the new rail and 80% of the upgrade is now complete. With the penalty and incentive scheme in place for contractors Murray and Roberts, he believes the July handover will be achieved without a problem.
This leaves time for a series of test runs to
be undertaken before the launch date.
Operation of the line has been subcontracted to Spoornet which will recruit staff from Zimbabwe. They will operate, maintain and deliver the commercial side of the operation, while BBR will cover the marketing.
To ensure efficiency, the line will operate independently with its own marshalling yards at key points along the line.
An independent communications system has been developed and installed offering full communication between the locomotive driver and the control centre with 100% coverage along the line.
An advanced track and trace facility is part of the system. Ultimately it is envisaged that the cargo owner will have electronic access to the movement of cargo from Durban to Zimbabwe, and in the long-term as far as the DRC.
C.e.o. Eitan is based in Zimbabwe, which is the regional headquarters. He has a background in putting together projects in many parts of the world.
BBR has set up additional offices in Harare and Johannesburg.
