Textile downturn affects Swaziland’s rail volumes

JAMES HALL MBABANE – Swaziland Railway is weathering the economic storms of the small nation it serves by seeking a streamlined operation emphasising cost containment. “If we look at the past five years, it’s the same as any business – you lose some clients, and you win some. We are maintaining the same level overall,” Stephen Ngubane, Operations Officer at the railway, told FTW. Just two months ago, the system’s main east-west rail line was rededicated by King Mswati after an R87m refurbishment. But Swaziland’s under-performing economy has hobbled hopes of more business for a rail system renowned for good management and labour relations, and noted as an innovator in African rail transport. “We follow the performance of the economy, which unfortunately isn’t good. Look at textiles. There is a decrease in production and loss of jobs, and that impacts negatively on rail, because we bring in raw material used for manufacturing, and we export the finished products,” said Ngubane. While the container traffic of the manufacturing sectors is having its ups and downs, the transport of bulk material like coal and sugar and some emergency food relief destined for the country’s drought belt remains consistent.