The role of railways in southern Africa cannot be over-estimated and efforts to move cargo from road back to rail must be a priority, said Patrick Masikara, acting manager of the Gaborone Container Terminal (Gabcon).
He told FTW Online that railways across the region were making a comeback while investment in rail infrastructure was starting to take off after years of non-investment.
“Logistics costs in southern Africa have continued to increase. Rail will play a significant role in addressing these ever-increasing costs,” he said. “It is therefore important that governments and the private sector embrace the offering of rail and that we increase our investment and focus on road to rail strategies.”
He said rail could easily be as reliable as road transport if infrastructure was in place.
“Also one must remember it is not about using just rail or just road, but rather developing intermodal transport solutions for the region that are beneficial all round and bringing cost down.”
