Rail in the spotlight at MCLI AGM

Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative chairman Dr Mathews Phosa used last week’s fifth annual general meeting in Maputo to call for a revision of rail pricing policies on the corridor. “We cannot be competitive and efficient while the current status quo remains,” he told guests at the open day. “In every deliberation on this corridor, rail is raised as an issue of contention,” he said. Phosa also called for renewed commitment to improving border post efficiency. “While we have seen incremental improvements in the border post operating hours and greater efficiency of clearing procedures, particularly at the Lebombo Border Dry Port where trucks can now report a 5-hour turnaround time, challenges still remain,” he said. Rail was also one of the central themes raised by MCLI CEO Brenda Horne. “The Department of Transport has established good platforms for engagement with the private sector and transport entities,” she said. “It has agreed with the Shippers’ Council to work on a programme of action on how to shift cargo from road to rail.” The draft programme of action will be tabled in the next two weeks for a broader consultative process. A process of drafting the National Road Freight Strategy has also begun, she said. “Its intention is to better manage the road freight industry and deal with the possible review of the axle mass limits, overload control and the weighbridge network. “In essence the strategy will shift commodities not meant for road to rail.”