TransNamib has met with its lenders and government stakeholders on funding and procurement arrangements for its locomotive renewal programme intended to improve rail freight capacity and reliability in Namibia.
The discussions involved the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the Development Bank of Namibia, TransNamib’s Executive Committee and Board, the Central Procurement Board of Namibia and the Minister of Works and Transport.
In an update on its official LinkedIn page, TransNamib said the engagements cover funding requirements, procurement processes, implementation timelines and the steps needed to advance the programme. No procurement award or delivery schedule was announced.
The talks follow changes to the operator’s planned mix of new and remanufactured locomotives, driven by cost considerations and delivery times.
Railways Africa has reported, citing Namibia’s Ministry of Works and Transport, that new locomotives have an estimated lead time of about 24 months compared with nine months for remanufactured units. The ministry said the revised ratio was approved by the lenders’ independent technical adviser.
TransNamib said its work with financing partners, procurement stakeholders and government intends to improve locomotive availability and strengthen the rail network’s efficiency.
“A stronger locomotive fleet means greater capacity, improved reliability and new opportunities for rail freight in Namibia,” the company said.
