Transnet approves initial annual
budget of R600m
Leonard Neill
SEVERAL INTERNATIONAL rolling stock manufacturers are lining up for the contract to upgrade Spoornet's ageing locomotive and wagon fleet, says Transnet chief executive Mafika Mkwanazi.
This follows Transnet's issue of a tender worth R15 billion over 15 years aimed at turning Spoornet into a streamlined, efficient operation. It will address the constant flow of complaints from the manufacturing sector as a result of delays due to truck shortages, says Mkwanazi.
Three of the top international providers, Siemens, Alstom and Bombardier, are said to be queuing up with their bids, along with several Asian companies.
Transnet's board has approved an initial annual budget of R600 million, says Mkwanazi, based on an independent evaluation of the investment plan. The tender will initially be issued to cover the first three years of the upgrade period, and will be reassessed after every three-year period.
Spoornet has suffered from under-investment for years and the average age of the fleet is 26 years, he added.
"The tender also calls for innovative solutions to Spoornet's investment challenges. Tenders can be submitted on an investment-and-operate basis, for example, which could see the private sector helping Spoornet operate large sections of its freight network.
