Aus link revitalises TransNamib in the south
The refurbishment of the 112 kilometre rail link between Aus and Luderitz has revitalised TransNamib’s operations in the south, with further planned investments planned in the windy harbour town of Luderitz.
This was according to its spokesperson Ailly Angula-Paulino who indicated that the rail operator was interested in getting more business as far as the Northern Cape Province in neighbouring South Africa.
“There are currently discussions with various entities for new potential cargo shipments from the Northern Cape. With the connection of the Port of Luderitz to the national railway grid, we will see more bulk cargo being routed via the Port of Luderitz.”
TransNamib is also willing to make a planned investment of approximately N$25 million to enhance the appeal of its rail link, Paulino explained without availing much detail, explaining that planning was still in its infancy. She however said that TransNamib was expected to make a big announcement soon.
In its annual report for 2013, TransNamib Holdings states, “The revitalisation of the Orange corridor is currently being investigated, especially in light of the interest shown by mining and agriculture companies in the Northern Cape of South Africa. Once the Aus-Lüderitz railway line is completed, potential growth lies in the transportation of commodities, such as manganese and grain to the port of Lüderitz.”
The construction of the much anticipated Aus-Luderitz railway line was concluded by the end of 2014. The railway line was initially supposed to be up and running 10 years ago, and served as a basis for the construction of the Skorpion Zinc which commenced in 2001. The railway line was constructed at a total cost of N$62 million.
The imminent conclusion of the ten year project came at the time when the TransNamib Holdings Board of Directors launched an ambitious turnaround strategy that will be carried out over the span of 5 years and will look to spend N$400 million.
