Namibian rail operator receives new locos

The first consignment of refurbished locomotives – manufactured by Transnet Engineering – arrived in Namibia on Friday.

Daily newspaper, The Namibian, reported that the five locomotives were part of a R216-million deal to acquire 21 Transnet class 33 GE diesel-electric locomotives that will effectively double TransNamib’s available fleet to 42 locomotives.

The Namibian Press Agency (Nampa) quoted acting TransNamib chief executive officer Hippy Tjivikua as saying the acquisition of these locomotives would assist the company to increase cargo volumes and generate more income.

The rail operator will also be retrenching about 1 000 workers by the end of March this year in a move aimed at resizing the state-owned company and reducing the R40-million-a-month wage bill.