‘Walvis Bay saves up to three weeks compared to Durban’

BOTSWANA’S COPPER and nickel mines have
surged with recent activity, unfurling demand
for equipment and plant imports already
commanded by a flourishing diamond mining
industry.
“Diamond polishing companies have also
recently set up their operations, and we have
brought in much of the plant and equipment for
them,” says managing director of Röhlig Botswana,
Leif Bekker. He is, however, cautious of the recent
mushrooming of mining activity in the lessdeveloped
areas of the country.
“It’s all very exciting, but we are going to wait
for the dust to settle,” says Bekker, who is looking
to extend the company’s base out of the capital
Gaborone. “It’s definitely a supplier’s market,”
says Bekker, who has found alternatives to bring
imports in.
While ocean freight rates for importing through
Walvis port are higher than the Durban option, the
time saved is a worthwhile compromise. “There are
two direct shipping lines that service Walvis, and
we actually save two to three weeks compared to
using Durban.
“There is also a shortage of capacity when
going through South Africa, with insufficient rolling
stock for rail and a road freight backlog due to rail
capacity constraints spilling volumes over onto
road.”
Botswana’s own infrastructure has tumbled into
the spotlight with a series of infrastructure projects
under way, which have assisted and will continue
to grow volumes and business for Röhlig
Botswana well into the years to come, he added.