Rail project barriers

Funding is just one of the

stumbling blocks holding up

the Trans Kalahari railway line

project.

A host of legal and crossborder

issues will also need to be

addressed to make the project

viable.

Feasibility studies conducted in

2011 estimated the cost of the

144-km railway line to be in the

region of $15 billion but this figure

will undoubtedly have increased

in the interim.

In the meantime Namibia and

Botswana – the two countries

linked by the railway line – have

in recent months reiterated their

commitment to the project despite

the various challenges that exist.

Earlier this year an office was

officially opened in Windhoek

in Namibia from which officials

from both countries will operate.

Bilateral agreements have been

in place since last year. Despite a

lack of interest to date from major

funders, the Botswana freight

industry remains optimistic about

the railway line which aims to link

Botswana’s coal fields to the Port

of Walvis Bay.