‘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.