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3. Comment
We commented last month on South There is a bigger potential problem. Our
Africa’s newly permitted “performance- railway’s capacity to take over substantial
based” 27-metre-long road truck/trailer volumes of traffic at relatively short
combinations (5m longer than the previous notice - short in railway time, that is - is
limit), with a gross loaded mass of 67 tons questionable. It is one thing to run down
(normal maximum, 56). Agreed, these infrastructure and rolling stock but another
monsters will only be allowed by special altogether to get it up and working again.
permission of the Department of Transport DoT is looking to use existing branchlines
(DoT), but examples are already running in - it mentions them specifically - but the
KwaZulu-Natal, in an area where several condition of some of those is dicey, and the
railway lines are under threat of closing. roads, apparently, are in much the same
Only a week or two ago, one was spotted on shape. The department is understandably
the old M13 route near hillcrest, cunningly concerned at this, worrying that they may
bypassing the N3 toll plaza at Mariannhill. fall apart within five years, due to lack of
funds for maintenance.
Now, less than a month later, new
strategy has been announced to limit the So which comes first - fixing the railway or
conveyance by road of commodities (as banning the behomoths? I tell you what -
yet unspecified), the broad objective being we left the stable door open far too long
to force the use of rail instead. One says ago. It’s going to be one heck of a job
“broad”, because the implications are getting those iron horses back.
probably more complex than the authors
realise. Predictably loud opposition is
already audible, mainly from the road
freight industry, which has been allowed -
and encouraged - to grow so large that the
jobs of hundreds are feared to be at stake.
Contents
Brake Solutions 2
Opinion: Pete the Pundit 4
Africa UpDate 10
SA RailNews 18
Namibian Interlude 24 Mobile Police stations Ngqura rail
Brake Solutions
Gautrain UpDate 26 > Page 2 for long-distance operations begin
trains > Page 18
Company News: Actom 32 > Page 18
Mishaps & Blunders 34
Book Review 36
Middle East UpDate 38
Railway Heritage 39
End of the Line 40
Class 39-200 Namibian interlude Actom Failsafe Data
> Page 22 > Page 24 Transmission (FSDT)
> Page 32
www.railwaysafrica.com September 2009 RAILWAYS AFRICA 1

4. Knorr-Bremse
Brake Solutions, World-Class Technology
The Knorr-Bremse Group is the world’s leading manufacturer Engineering and production facilities for adapting both
of braking systems for rail and other commercial vehicles. It AAR and UIC products to suit local conditions are also
available locally.
has pioneered the development, production and marketing of
modern braking systems for a variety of applications over the Knorr Bremse will be introducing the manufacture and
supply of the VV64/100-3 air compressor, purposely
last 100 years. The company also produces on-board systems
designed for production of compressed air on vehicles
for rail vehicles such as doors, toilets, air-conditioners and such as electric locomotives and motor coaches. This
passenger information systems. Knorr-Bremse compressor has been used successfully
on Metrorail motor coaches for the last three decades.
The SA subsidiary was opened in 1969 as a sales office and The decision was based on the reliability of the VV64 -
expanded in 1973 to include local manufacturing for the the compressor that the Passenger Rail Agency of South
domestic market. It has been successful in supplying brake Africa (Prasa) uses as its benchmark when testing other
systems for all types of rolling stock, including both vacuum compressors for use on metro coaches.
and air systems.
The components for the VV64 will be produced at and
Today the KBSA factory is a well-equipped manufacturing supplied from the Knorr-Bremse manufacturing facility in
plant based in Kempton Park, Gauteng. The DB60 freight Spartan, Kempton Park, ensuring that this product is 100%
wagon valve is its primary export. As one of only two KB proudly South African.
factories around the world to manufacture this AAR approved
valve, the KBSA product is now included in rolling stock
inventories on six continents
Knorr Bremse (SA) (Pty) Ltd launched its first new high-tech
electronic braking solution (type hSM) on the class 14E
dual voltage electric locomotives in SA in the late 1980s.
Today, the CCB2 electronic brake system and full ECP/
WDP (Electronic Control Pneumatic Brake/Wired Distributed
Power) train control is the new way forward for heavy-haul
trains. Various electric and diesel locomotives have been
fitted with the Knorr-Bremse CCBII brake systems, either by
upgrading or on new-build locomotives.
When Knorr Bremse (SA) (Pty) Ltd became IRIS certified it
was the first South African company to achieve this quality
system standard. The IRIS (International Rail Industry
Standard) was specifically established to address the
requirements and disciplines pertinent to the rail industry.
IRIS is an initiative led by UNIFE (Association of the European
Rail Industry) and is actively supported by companies
such as Knorr-Bremse, Bombardier, Swissrail, holland Rail
Industry and Swedtrain - to name but a few.
Other rail brake solutions available on the SA market The primary reason for initiating the establishment of the
include the modern EP Compact® brake control system for IRIS standard was that ISO 9001 certification was too easily
electric multiple units (emus) and oil-free compressors (as obtained, coupled with the need to ensure higher safety
used on Gautrain), for both locomotives and emus. Oil-free standards for the rail industry.
compressors based on the latest technology in compressed
air are extremely efficient and maintenance-friendly. The following are benefits that customers can expect
from a company that has successfully implemented the
IRIS quality system:
A greatly improved focus in ensuring that products are
fully compliant with the RAMS (Reliability, Availability,
Maintainability and Safety) requirements:
• Establishment of project management within the
Quality Management System,
• Greater focus on process and product non-
conformities,
• Greater focus on commissioning aspects and
customer service and
• Greater focus on production and service provision.
2 RAILWAYS AFRICA September 2009 www.railwaysafrica.com

5. Knorr-Bremse
product highlights:
electronic vigilance computer
The purpose of the electronic vigilance computer is to monitor
the alertness of a driver while in control of a moving locomotive
or train, and to bring it to a standstill if he or she fails to respond
to certain vigilance alarms prompting driver action.
KBSA have field service teams available 24/7 at various
locations to provide backup service. The alertness test is based on a random timer that runs
out and then requires the driver to take appropriate action
These teams also carry out system upgrades to freight to “prove” his or her alertness.
wagons, as well as Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) electric and
diesel-electric locomotives of various classes. Knorr-Bremse has successfully integrated the electronic
vigilance computer on older TFR locomotives such as
Knorr Bremse has secured contracts from Transnet for the classes 6E1 and 8E, as well as on all new electronic
supply of LPS 54 Exhausters and Slack Adjusters for use on locomotives. For example, TFR’s new class 15E and 19E
passenger vehicles. locomotives have been so equipped.
Knorr-Bremse in-house service repair centre involvement in the iron ore rdp upgrade
KBSA have an in-house CCBII service centre for all electronic programme
equipment: EPCU, EBV, electronic vigilance computers and Knorr-Bremse (SA) (Pty) Ltd is honoured to be playing an
other electronic equipment. important role in helping Transnet set new records. KBSA
has been and is responsible for upgrading all 31 of the
Compressors and exhausters are repaired in the KBSA class 9E electric locomotives and 30 of the class 34 diesel
mechanical service centre for all mechanically operated locomotives - 24 of which have been completed - to an
equipment: LPS 54, VV64, VV450, various air equipment electro-pneumatic brake system. This project included the
frames, and tread brake units. integration of vacuum brakes into the electro-pneumatic
brake system on the diesel locomotives.
KBSA is also responsible for the installation and
commissioning of the radio-distributed power (RDP) system
supplied by GE Transportation. KBSA is currently acting as
support for GE Transportation and assists with field support
for the RDP wherever necessary.
To deal with locomotive upgrades, KBSA has been in
Saldanha - where it has established a site office - for the
past two years. This office will contribute field support
for the new class 15E locomotives, being delivered in the
course of 2009.
involvement in the 19e and 15e locomotive
new-Build programme
Knorr-Bremse (SA) (Pty) Ltd is proud to be the sole
supplier for all air supply and brake equipment, including
The Knorr-Bremse Group was chosen to provide the door tread brake units, fitted to the new class 19E and 15E electric
and brake control systems for the Gautrain project rolling locomotive building programme.
stock – the Electrostar series. Designed in England and
adapted to suit local conditions, the Electrostar boasts the The class 19E locomotives (dual voltage 3kV DC and 25kV
latest technologies in brake control from Knorr-Bremse UK AC) are for use on the heavy-haul line transporting coal from
mines in the Witbank area to the port in Richards Bay. These
locomotives are being fitted with the latest in computer-
controlled brakes. The trains boast both electronically
controlled pneumatic brakes for the wagons and wire-
distributed power for distributed locomotive control.
The class 15E locomotives (50kV AC) are to complement
the existing class 9E locomotive fleet on South Africa’s
second heavy-haul line, transporting iron ore from Sishen in
the Northern Cape Province to the port in Saldanha. These
locomotives also include the latest in computer controlled
brakes and include radio-distributed power.
For these locomotives, KBSA has developed two functional
stand-alone modules. One is for air supply, the other for air
brake equipment. This means that an all-inclusive module
has been developed for locomotive air supply, including
(Westinghouse) and door systems from IFE in Austria. Knorr- compressed air and conditioning of air; and that a second
Bremse SA will be responsible for providing on-going support all-inclusive module is fitted for air brake equipment,
to Bombela and Bombardier for these products during the including the brake system with all electronics, wheel-slide
warranty period and for the duration of their service. and auxiliary equipment.
www.railwaysafrica.com September 2009 RAILWAYS AFRICA 3

6. opinion
PETE THE PUNDIT laments
LINESIDE MISERY IN EAST AFRICA, marvels at
THE WONDERS OF SWISS METRE GAUGE and hears of
SOME SHAKY REPORTING IN THE US OF A
LINESIDE MISERY IN EAST AFRICA railway that does not run efficiently
“Africa’s freedom railway” by loses traffic, its bread and butter.
Professor Jamie Monson - This means it earns less income
reviewed elsewhere in this issue and has difficulty meeting bills.
- is noteworthy not for rail-related Worse: inability to pay staff wages –
content in the usual sense but for and pensioners - is all too common
drawing attention to some widely today in far too many countries.
unappreciated side effects of
building rail systems. her interest Worse still: less traffic implies less
is predominantly that of people work to be done– a reality that few
who live along the Tazara route in government-owned entities care
Tanzania, whose fortunes – and This “manual track recording device” appeared (by courtesy of to face head-on, with personnel
misfortunes – are intertwined with Plasser) in the August 1982 issue of this magazine, then known complements trimmed down all
those of the railway. These rural simply as “Railways”. It was in its 25th year of publication, the too slowly. Nevertheless, in the
villages prospered more, she editor – A E (“Dusty”) Durrant. Vanguard (published in Lagos) on
suggests, than those living beside 29 August 2003, harry Nwana
more conventional “colonial- In a foreword to the 25th anniversary issue, general manager quoted Nigerian Railway
era” railways, whose principal of South Africa’s railways Dr Kobus Loubser had written Corporation (NRC) managing
appreciatively of “South Africa’s only independent railway director Alhaji Abdulrahman
objective was to “connect settler
journal”. Since its first appearance in 1957, it had grown to be Abubakar saying that the 50,000
communities” (and – of course – to
recognised for its “authoritative” content.
tap and export minerals). formerly on the payroll had shrunk
to about 14,000. “Even this number cannot be paid their
Wherever railways are constructed, however, and for salaries most of the time. Unpaid pensioners are about
whatever purpose or political connotation, those living 20,000 strong who, only when the Federal Government
beside them will always benefit. Compare the countryside makes due subventions, can receive their pension. And it
paralleling Kenya’s line from Mombasa to Nairobi - and does so at intervals of six to nine months. Exactly a year
beyond - with the railless areas to the north. Passenger ago, the NRC was owing pensioners over N3 billion little
trains, by no means confined to the British expatriate prospect of redemption. It is a lot more than that by now as
elite, were widely used and exploited by the locals, whose staff continue to retire.”
horizons and opportunities were enormously expanded.
And just as the Tanzanians suffered when economic Nwana wrote that six
realities obliged the Tazara line to hike fares and close down years ago. Exactly four
stations, the similar faltering of lines in Kenya and Uganda years later, on 29 August
– after the colonialists left, one has to point out - impacted 2007, the president of the
severely on the locals. Without a Professor Monson to Nigeria Labour Congress
champion their cause however, one hears only of the (NLC) appealed to Nigerian
detriment to the Ugandan import trade, and the failure of President Umaru Musa
trains to clear backlogs in Mombasa harbour. Yar’Adua to direct the
immediate payment of
EMD 1,310hp Nigerian class 1100 the entitlements of railway
diesel, built 1958. pensioners: “Let me also
crave Your Excellency’s indulgence to appeal for your
compassionate consideration of the plight of the pensioners
of the Nigeria Railway Corporation. “The situation of railway
pensioners is desperate and pathetic, resulting in frequent
deaths among them and their dependents.”
Similar appeals have been made to a succession of
Nigerian presidents over the years. Meanwhile, there
has been no Professor Monson to chronicle the plight of
peasant communities living along the country’s 3,783km
of largely dilapidated track, which has seen very few trains
in recent times.
Chinese-built Tunduma station on the Zambian-Tanzanian border.
Photo: Richard Grönstedt. STANDARD GAUGE: THE AFRICAN OBSESSION
In the old days, the lines of East Africa – Kenya, Uganda and Current plans to convert thousands of kilometres of African
Tanganyika – were highly regarded internationally, not least lines to standard gauge are based on a conviction that metre-
for the biggest Garratt steam locomotives in Africa. Whatever gauge inhibits capacity and speed. If one is in the happy
the colonialists’ motives for providing railways, they looked position of being able to afford a completely new railway,
after their infrastructure. Post-colonial railways throughout and completely new locomotives and rolling stock to run
the continent – in these countries as well as Nigeria, Ghana, on it, well and good – but it doesn’t sound like a scenario
Zambia and elsewhere – are conspicuous for lamentable widely found in Africa. It is rather like an urban shack-dweller
shortcomings in maintenance. Everywhere track and rolling observing that black plastic inhibits his lifestyle; in its place,
stock have been wretchedly neglected. Unfortunately, a he intends to put up a mansion.
4 RAILWAYS AFRICA September 2009 www.railwaysafrica.com

7. SPECIALIST CASTINGS FOR
THE RAILROAD INDUSTRY
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The Scaw Metals Group (Scaw) is an international group, manufacturing a diverse range of steel products. Its principal
operations are located in South Africa, South America, Canada and Australia. Smaller operations are in Namibia,
Zimbabwe and Zambia. Scaw’s specialist castings for the railroad industry include bogies used in freight cars,
locomotives and passenger cars. Other products manufactured include:
Freight car castings: Scaw has produced castings for the railroad industry since 1921
• Side Frames • Bolsters and is a technological leader in this field and has participated in the
• Yokes • Cast steel monobloc wheels development of unique designs such as the cast adaptor sub-frame
• Draw-gear components assembly used in the “Scheffel” radial axle truck.
• Centre plates
Scaw manufactures castings under licence to various licensors, but
Cast steel frames for locomotives:
is an open foundry with the capability to undertake work according
• Steerable locomotive frames
to individual customer requirements. The company has produced
• Mounting for electrical parking brakes and brakehangers
• Traction motor end shields and suspension tubes in cast thousands of sets of steel castings for freight cars for both the local
steel, manufactured to customer requirements and export markets. These include side frames and bolsters that
have been approved by the Association of American Railroads for
Passenger car castings: use on North American railroads.
• High speed, high stability radial axle bogies for motored
and unmotored passenger vehicles Scaw supplies globally and also offers nationwide distribution
• Self steering bogies in South Africa through its strategically located branches
• Fully machined frames ready for assembly into bogies, throughout the country.
including the fitting of bushings and wear plates
• Integrally cast brake hanger brackets and mounting
for auxiliary equipment
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Website: www.scaw.co.za
GROUP

8. opinion
[ Swiss Francs and US Dollars are approximately equal in
value. - editor ]
INACCURATE US RAIL RECORDS
If you thought rail safety and associated records were a
problem only in Africa, take comfort. According to the Los
Angeles Times: “The official record of accidents and deaths
on the Metrolink commuter rail system is incomplete, marred
by inconsistencies and largely hidden from view. The record
makes train operations in the Los Angeles region appear to
be much less dangerous than they are.”
The paper has compiled an interactive database and map
Impeccably maintained metre-gauge trackwork (electrified) in a Rhatische by drawing on information from several sources, “many
Bahn (Switzerland) freight yard. Photo: editor’s collection. never before available to the public”. As far as was possible,
According to ancient wisdom, sensible people make the inaccurate or conflicting information was corrected and
most of what they have before rushing out to buy anew. In obvious omissions filled in. “The database suggests that
this context, instructive examples of what can be achieved the Federal Railroad Administration’s system for tracking
on metre gauge railways are to be found in Switzerland. And hazards is more suited to monitoring cross-country freight
it isn’t as though the going is easy: there isn’t more difficult haulers than high-speed [passenger] trains operating in
geography to be negotiated anywhere. Swiss tunnels and crowded urban corridors.
bridges are unsurpassed. Some of their rolling stock – like
that in much of Africa – is around 40 years old, but instead “Only about four of every 10 fatal accidents in Metrolink’s
of washing their hands of it and starting afresh on a different records have been reported to the federal agency, which
gauge, the thrifty Swiss are upgrading the existing metre- posts the information on its public website. At least 117
gauge track and buying new trains. On 17 September, for Metrolink system pedestrian deaths and six vehicle deaths
example, prominent operator Zentralbahn awarded Stadler do not appear in the federal record.
a SFr141m contract to supply 10 inter-regional electric
multiple-units as part of an ambitious double-tracking and “The federal agency requires train operators to file reports
modernisation programme. under broad circumstances: an accident at a grade [level]
crossing, an accident causing damage to railroad equipment
or an accident resulting in loss of life - except when the death
is ruled a suicide.” According to the paper, “Metrolink’s
reporting practice has been inconsistent. The agency
reported some deaths that were ruled suicide but often failed
to report deaths considered to be accidental.”
“The agency’s records are also inadequate for one of the
most basic forms of analysis: pattern mapping. A spokesman
for the agency said there is no plan to remedy the data, which
he conceded could be as much as 20% wrong.
“Metrolink staff in Los Angeles have done a better job of
mapping crossings and rail lines. In many cases, however,
they identified crossings incorrectly or in the wrong places.
Metre-gauge electric passenger trains crossing on Switzerland’s Rhatische
Bahn. Photo: editor’s collection.
Four seven-car and six three-car trains will be used on
Brünig Line services between Lucerne and Interlaken Ost
(74km). More than 20 trains serve this busy route daily, in
addition to a number of short workings. The seven-car sets
will comprise two three-car units back-to-back, with cabs
at the outer ends only and a centre car containing a bistro
offering hot and cold food.
Testing of the first set is scheduled for January 2012, with
deliveries running from September 2012 to July 2013. They
will be in full service from December 2013, allowing the
replacement of stock dating back 40 years. Metrolink double-deck suburban trains in Los Angeles are hauled by diesel
locos on outward trips, then pushed back to town with a driving trailer leading.
Railways Africa
www.railwaysafrica.com / / /
6 RAILWAYS AFRICA September 2009 www.railwaysafrica.com

9. DIESEL ENGINE COMPONENT
REMANUFACTURE FACILITY
SERVICES INCLUDE:
� cylinder head pressure testing
� cylinder head remanufacturing
� camshaft reprofiling
� block & head resurfacing
� engine assembly
� line boring
� crankshaft crack testing
� hardness and surface testing
� crankshaft grinding
� cylinder reboring and resleeving
� cylinder bore honing
� dynamometer testing
t: +27 (11) 873-2350
f: +27 (11) 825-7317
e: marketing@metricauto.co.za
I
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2

10. opinion
LEVEL CROSSINGS IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN
“Electronic files of Southern California’s rail system can The Times perused paper records, called “Unusual
be downloaded from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Occurrence Reports” filed by train drivers for a variety of
website,” the Los Angeles Times says, “but are riddled with reasons. “These reports documented many accidents,
errors, placing hundreds of rail crossings at points far from some involving injuries and deaths, that did not appear on
any railroad tracks. Many are shown in the Pacific Ocean.” any electronic lists.”
The accident history of the Metrolink system is complicated Train drivers also used the paper forms to report numerous
by the fractured nature of the system itself. Metrolink owns near misses in which they applied emergency braking to
and maintains most of the right of way, but some portions avoid hitting a vehicle or pedestrian. Neither the Federal
of the track are owned by other operators. These include Railroad Administration’s nor Metrolink’s electronic records
another public agency, the North County Transit District in track these near-collisions.
San Diego, and two private freight operators.
“Last March, Metrolink’s environmental contractor billed
As the ownership of these lines changed, milepost more than $3,200 to clean the remains of two people who
designations along the track were reordered, so that records were on the tracks in Fullerton and Norwalk. Metrolink’s
from earlier years do not match with mileposts in use today. records show two pedestrian deaths in March but say one
of them occurred in San Clemente and the other in either La
Amtrak passenger trains use the same tracks Metrolink Mirada or Norwalk.
commuter trains use. So do freight trains operated by Union
Pacific Railroad and Burlington Northern Santa Fe. Older “According to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office, Liber
records also name Southern Pacific, which was purchased Quinones, a 22-year-old from Baldwin Park, was killed by
by Union Pacific. a Metrolink train on 30 July. No Metrolink database reveals
an accident on that date. In more than 100 cases, Metrolink
“Electronic records that Metrolink provided to The Times do records had differing dates, times or victim names for what
not indicate which train operator was involved in an accident.” appeared to be the same accident.”
“Thus accidents in this database provide a profile of the Attempts to resolve apparently duplicate entries were
system as a whole, but not specifically Metrolink operations. often frustrated because the location or other key
In addition, the accident information was kept by Metrolink information was missing.
staff in different formats over the years.”
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repairs, vacuum cylinders of any size in accordance with customer requirements. All work is carried out by highly skilled staff to the
strictest ISO standard and extensively tested.
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12. AfricA UpdAte
ALGERIA
EVALUATING ELECTRIFICATION
The Algerian National Agency for Railway Investment
Research and Follow-up (ANESRIF) has issued tender
invitations nationally and internationally for carrying out
technical and financial project analyses relating to two
electrification projects. The first involves evaluation of the
130km Mechria to El-Bayadh line (130 km). The second is
related to the 210km Biskra to Touggourt electrification.
ANGOLA
DEMINING COMPLETE
According to Angola’s National Institute of Demining
(INAD) director-general Leonardo Severino Sapalo, work
on the Luanda, Moçamedes and Benguela railways has
been completed. Altogether some 380km of the country’s
railways were demined. A certain amount of “segment
demining” remains to be done, in preparation for construction
of rail-related infrastructure. A total of 28,437km2 have been
cleared of landmines to permit extension of the country’s
optic fibre telephone network. The operation included
localisation, removal and destruction of explosive devices
over an area of 78,806km2 accommodating the electricity
transmission lines. In all, 51 demining brigades are working
in the country’s 18 provinces.
development (MINEPAT) on one hand, and the Korea Port
Engineering Corporation, Chung-Suk Engineering company
Limited, the Korea Transport Institute and the Korea Rail
Network Authority. The plan will be used as a guide in
modernising the country’s railways. According to ministry
secretary-general Roger Mbassa Ndine, the objective
is to build lines to all parts of the country. The project, he
explained, is in line with government intentions to “lift the
country’s railway system to international standards” by 2035.
The studies will be funded from Cameroon’s 2009 and 2010
public investment budget.
BOTSWANA
BOTSWANA-NAMIBIA FEASIBILITY STUDY
A pre-feasibility study for the proposed new Trans-Kalahari
railway from Botswana to the Namibian coast has begun,
after three years of preliminary planning. Expected to take
twelve months, the work is being funded by a $US463,000
grant from the World Bank and the equivalent of $US44,744
each from the two countries.
CAMEROON
SOUTH KOREA TO HELP IN CAMEROON
A South Korean consortium is to undertake feasibility studies
and produce a national railway master plan for Cameroon,
in terms of a 13-month contract signed on 10 September
between the ministry of the economy, planning, and regional
10 RAILWAYS AFRICA September 2009 www.railwaysafrica.com

13. AfricA UpdAte
ETHIOPIA
UPGRADING & PLANS
In 2007, the Ethiopian Railway Corporation (ERC) was
formed as a subsidiary of the country’s ministry of transport
& communications, with a paid-up capital of $US750 million.
Its mandate is to build a national railway as well as an urban
light rail network in the capital, Addis Abeba. The main
task of the national system would be to support Ethiopia’s
agricultural sector, specifically the moving of export grain
and livestock. however, it is also intended to provide “high-
speed, high-capacity, competitive and affordable” transport
for passengers. ERC director Dr Getachew Betru envisages
a standard gauge network, electrified with power drawn from
hydroelectric resources. (Betru also serves on the board of
the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation.)
In the meanwhile, work continues on rehabilitating the
781km metre-gauge Chemin de fer Djibouti-Ethopien (CDE
– the Djibouti-Ethiopian Railway). The 18-month project is
being funded by a grant of €50 million from the European
Union. Train services at the western end of the line, including
the approach into Addis Abeba, are currently suspended
to facilitate the work, which is being undertaken by Costa
of Italy and Ineco-SPT of Spain. According to CDE general
manager To’om Terie, the line’s capacity is expected to rise
to ten trains per day. KRC managing director Nduva Muli promises an impressive
reduction in the cost of freight transport once the new
Work is currently concentrated around Metahara, where line is built from Mombasa via Nairobi (for completion by
embankments are being strengthened and new bridges 2013), to Malaba on the border with Uganda together with
built. Approximately 25,000 concrete sleepers are being a branch to Kisumu on Lake Victoria (2016). The line is to
laid to replace steel, and the remaining 20kg/m rail is being be of high capacity, with trains carrying a minimum of 4,000
replaced by 40kg/m on about a third of the route. The project tonnes travelling at an average speed of 120km/h. “This
is reportedly running three months behind schedule due to compares with 800 tonnes on the existing metre-gauge line
some track alignments being miscalculated. and a maximum speed of 45km/h,” he was quoted saying.
Passengers are to be conveyed in double-deck trains running
India’s Overseas Investment Alliance (OIA), which has been at ”an average” 160km/h.
supplying electrical transmission and distribution systems to
EEPCo in terms of a 2006 contract worth $US65m, signed “In India and China,” Muli pointed out, “railway transport
an agreement with the government of neighbouring Djibouti accounts for 90% of long-distance freight movement
in May 2009 to undertake feasibility studies for a standard- compared to a meagre 5% in Kenya, causing pressure on the
gauge line from the harbour – which functions as the main road network.” The line from Mombasa is one of three routes
port for Ethiopia. identified in the corporation’s national railway master plan.
The others would be entirely new railways from a proposed
new port at Lamu to Juba in the Sudan and from Nairobi to
Addis Abeba in Ethiopia. Construction plans for these are
at advanced stages, Muli said. he did not disclose how the
expected price of Sh320 billion ($US4bn) is to be financed.
[ Nor whether this figure includes the cost of locomotives,
double-deck passenger coaches and other rolling stock. –
editor. ]
MALAWI
REVAMPING MALAWI’S RAILWAY
During May 2009, the Malawian government applied to the
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a United States
government foreign aid agency, for financial assistance in
rehabilitating the country’s rail network. A nine-member MCC
team visited Malawi in July, to conduct a thorough appraisal
KENYA of this and other projects for which help was requested. A
STANDARD GAUGE TENDER five-year “compact grant” is envisaged.
Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has invited tenders to
construct a 1,082km standard gauge line from Mombasa via Millennium Challenge Account Malawi (MCA-Malawi),
Nairobi to Malaba on the Ugandan border, together with a according to public outreach coordinator Susan Banda, has
216km branch from Nakuru to Kisumu. It is hoped to reduce already embarked on preliminary arrangements, in conjunction
travel times between the capital and the sea (530km) from ten with Malawi’s ministry of transport and public infrastructure,
to three hours. Prospective transaction advisers and design to commence rehabilitation of the rail network.
consultants have until 15 January 2010 to forward their bids.
The project includes marketing, investor identification and Director of transport planning in the ministry of transport and
the selection of consultants to monitor detailed design, public infrastructure Victor Lungu explains that rail movement
building and commissioning of the railway. in Malawi and to neighbouring countries is currently very slow
www.railwaysafrica.com September 2009 RAILWAYS AFRICA 11

14. AfricA UpdAte
because of the poor condition of the infrastructure. “Trains ships - hence the need to use Nacala. Mozambique plans to
move at a speed of between 30km/h and 40km/h.” invest $US150 million in upgrading the Nacala line and port
in the course of the next five years.
The ministry’s principal secretary Francis Chinsinga says
the Malawi government has approached the World Bank NIGERIA
and the European Investment Bank for additional funds CONCESSIONING NIGERIA’S RAILWAY
or the rail rehabilitation project. According to newly appointed Nigerian Railway Corporation
(NRC) managing director Adeseyi Sijuade, his administration
MOROCCO is to “kick-start” the concession of train operations, while
NEW LOCOS ARRIVE pursuing and completing ongoing rehabilitation works.
The first of a fleet of 20 Alstom 160km/h electric locomotives Concessioning, he emphasises, does not mean the system
for Office National des Chemins de fer (ONCF – the national is being sold: “NRC remains the landlord and will be
railway of Morocco) arrived recently in Casablanca. It was responsible for monitoring and regulating the activities of the
shipped from Antwerp in Belgium. The Prima II Bo-Bo concessionaries.” Consultants appointed to resuscitate the
mixed traffic locomotive, the second of the class to be built, corporation are to start work shortly.
will undergo a period of testing across ONCF’s electrified
network before entering service in 2010. The first locomotive Sijuade holds a degree in civil engineering from the
of the order is undergoing trials at the Siemens Wildenrath University of Lagos and an MBA from Loughborough
test centre in Germany. University, UK. he is a chartered civil engineer and project
management consultant.
The remaining Prima IIs will be delivered between October
2009 and March 2010. ONCF became the launch customer RAILS TO ABUJA
for the Prima II when it placed a €75 million order for a According to Nigerian minister of information and
5mW, 3kV DC version of the design in November 2007. The communications Dora Akunyili, the country’s federal
locomotives are being assembled at Alstom’s Belfort plant executive council has approved outlay of $US874.3 million
in eastern France. towards implementation of phase 1 in the country’s railway
modernisation project. The amount includes a consultancy
MOZAMBIQUE fee of $24 million. She was quoted saying that this allocation
NEW LINE TO BE BUILT covers the segment from Abuja to Kaduna (a new line), to be
Mozambique plans to build a new $US500 million railway to followed by funding for rehabilitation of the existing section
connect the coal mines at Moatize with the existing route to from Lagos to Ibadan (175 km).
the port of Nacala. The project will entail linking the existing
Sena line (Moatize-Beira) either by way of a new railway [ Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, currently has no rail
entirely within Mozambique or one following a considerably connection. – editor ]
shorter route across Malawi. According to minister of
transport and communications Paulo Zucula, funding has
been secured from the Danish and Dutch governments.
Completion is envisaged by 2015.
US TEAM TO HELP NIGERIAN RAIL
The mandate for a team of railway construction experts from
the United States of America, presently in Nigeria, is “to work
out modalities that would assist the country to rehabilitate
existing railway lines across the country, rather than embark
on new construction. “This would go a long way in helping
the federal government to reposition the railway system
Rehabilitation of the 575km Sena line, currently nearing and reduce carnage on the roads. Team leader Jim Blaze
completion, will enable it to carry 6 million tonnes of coal – following initial evaluation of the line out of Lagos – told
a year. however, the Brazilian mining concessionaire Vale newsmen that the rails and sleepers in the first 20 to 28km
expects to produce 11 million tonnes of coal a year, and to Abeokuta need to be replaced completely because they
added to this, the port of Beira cannot accommodate large are“old, fatigued and fractured.”
12 RAILWAYS AFRICA September 2009 www.railwaysafrica.com

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16. AFRICA UPDATE
AfricA UpdAte
TRL director general Narasimhaswami Jayaram said that RVR commercial manager in results of engineering
November 2008. Dependent upon the Kampala, Geoffrey
RWANDA
two goods trains comprising 23 wagons would be conveying Tindimwebwa says thewill refurbish and construct rail and
studies, the company rates will still be lower than those
STUDY ON NEW LINE FROM DAR
various commodities including cement from the Tanga charged by road freight hauliers. iron-ore production and
port facilities to accommodate its “Our rates have been
Ministers of Infrastructure from Rwanda, Burundi and
Cement Company. steady since last October before the fuel prices rose and the
shipping capacity requirements and to provide third party
Tanzania met in late September to approve a “final study”
price of at commercial rates.
access steel spiralled,” he points out, whereas the truckers
carried out on the proposed 691km new standard-gauge
TAZARA raise rates every time the fuel price changes. “Also, we have
railway from Dar-es-Salaam to Kigali and Bujumbura.
TAZARA TARIFFS UPPED minister of infrastructure Linda had a negative result from AML reports, has formally ratified
Parliament in Sierra Leone, the weakening dollar as most of
According to Rwandan
New faresis hoped to on the Tanzania-Zambia Railwayend of our rates are the railway and port infrastructure, value, while
a lease over in that currency. It has been losing both vital to
Bihire, it applicable begin construction before the came
into effectcompletion in 2014. Trains operating at 120km/h the prices of ourthe project. The lease isup.” the Pepel port
the success of inputs have been going for
2009, for on 1 July. Ticket prices on ordinary passenger
trains as well as the Tazara Express went up 20% while
are envisaged. and for the Pepel–Marampa railway, and also covers the
parcels and luggage rates rose 30%. Travellers from Dar- ZAMBIA
redevelopment of this infrastructure. In terms of the lease,
es-Salaam in Tanzania to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia now pay RSZcompany would undertake an engineering study into the
the TAKEN TO TASK
Tsh72,600 ($US72) in first class on the Tazara Express, up In an editorial, The Times ofport and takes Rail Systems of
upgrade of the deep-water Zambia the existing railway. If
from Tsh60,500 ($US60). Zambia (RSZ),viable, it would upgrade, operate andRailways,
these proved the concessionaire running Zambian maintain
to task for buying “brand new these available to other users
the port and railway and make motor vehicles worth $US1.4
To Makambako (Iringa) from Dar-es-Salaam now costs million”, while rates.
at commercial apparently falling short in service delivery.
Tsh29,000 ($US29) instead of Tsh24,200 ($US24). To Rujewa “While the company has every right to purchase vehicles for
(Mbeya) the fare is now Tsh29,900 ($US29) instead of The company is also investigating the possibility of
operations, we feel their priorities are misplaced,” the paper
Tsh24,900 ($US24). extending the railway (which it would operate itself) to
writes.
Tonkolili, to provide cost-effective transport of its iron-ore to
Tazara managing director Clement Subulwa Mwiya points the sea for export.
“Gone are the days,” it laments, “when the railway network
out that the company’s policy is to adjust tariffs annually. was the most reliable mode of transport in Zambia. “It was so
High operational costs are being experienced, notably in the reliable and cheap, that the rail line was heavy-haul railway
Further, studies are under way for a Zambia’s favourite
wage bill and the continually rising cost of diesel. Tazara is mode of transport, offloading goods is adjacent to Pepel.
linking Tonkolili to Tagrin Point, which and passengers in
upgrading its facilities at a cost of $US10 million, he says, remote Point would be developed into an iron-ore transport,
Tagrin areas where roads were inaccessible.
and 18 locomotives are being rehabilitated currently ore handling and ship loading facility, AML has indicated that
“Thefuture construction and safety and reliabilitythe system
the failure by RSZ to provide commissioning of has forced
UGANDA rolling stock will be needed for the new railway. The existing many Zambians to abandonmaterial engineering obstacles.
was unlikely to possess any rail transport in preference for
Completely new the faster and more reliable road transport. It was hoped that
MAIN-LINEvehicles use REOPENS African drop-hook couplers. Photo:
metre-gauge AT JINJA these old East
The main-line to Kampala from Kenya, closed near Jinja on when Zambia Railways was concessioned to RSZ, things
Richard Grönstedt.
14 May following the collapse of an embankment due to a would change for the better.”
blocked culvert, was reopened to traffic on 16 June. During
SIERRA LEONE
the four weeks that the line remained inoperable, freight was [RSZ inherited a sorely run-down system which is taking a
NEW RAIL PROJECTS FORESEEN great deal of time and money to put right. The rosy past of
offloaded at Iganga and takenhave an by road. According
Sierra Leone is reported to forward untapped iron ore
to Rift Valley Railways (RVR) project manager world. African railways in the country dates back to the days when it was
resource that could rank as third largest in the Glenn Kleyn, called Northern Rhodesia – but nobody will want to remember
quoted by New Vision (published in Kampala) a new three-
Minerals Limited (AML), with an extensive portfolio of mineral
metre in the country, is currently workinghasbring its flagship that. – editor]
rights diameter galvanised iron culvert to been installed,
to provide adequate outletinto production about 150km Lake
project, Tonkolili iron-ore, for stormwater to drain into from
Victoria, about a kilometre downstream.
the Pepel deep-water port, which has good infrastructure.
Kleyn said the repair work was being the town of Marampa, 4 - 6 March 2009
An existing railway runs from Pepel to done at mile 323. In Cape Town
addition, the company is investigating potential exists for an Built by Beyer-Peacock in Manchester in 1955, Sierra Leone No 65 was one of
about 70km. According to AML, the a structure at mile 289
towards Busembatia.tonne resource over the 20km strike fourteen 4-8-2+2-8-4 Garratts. With a 5t axle load, they hauled 270t trains up
additional 5 billion
extension to the north at Kasafoni. Exploration activities at ZIMBABWE 760mm gauge line, until its closure in 1974.
1:50 grades on the
“It (mile 289) is notconfirmed the potential for but we are
Tonkolili have also in any immediate danger 800 million NEW NRZ SERVICE
investigating and drawing up designs,” he told the paper.
tonnes of hematite mineralisation. TANZANIA
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has introduced
a new weekly passenger CAPITAL” Chicualacuala, 500km
CONCESSIONAIRE “LACKS service to
UGANDA RATES INCREASE
The Marampa iron ore project, located approximately 80km south-east ofto TanzaniantheministerMaputo.infrastructure
According Bulawayo on line to for The existing
Rift Valley Railways (RVR) has increased freight Cape
from Tonkolili, is being managed and operated by rates Wednesday train to Chiredzi has been rescheduled to major
development Dr Shukuru Kawambwa, “one of the leave
between Iron Ore Ltd which has a 35% interest in thetonne to
Lambert Mombasa and Kampala from $US80 per project. Bulawayo at 14:00 on Wednesday instead and Engineering
shortcomings of Rail India Technical of 21:00. Arriving
$110. Former managing directorup toPuffet explainedtowards
Cape Lambert has committed Roy $US25 million in July: at 04:00 on Thursday, it returns at 05:00to run the country’s
Services (Rites) - the company contracted to Mbizi junction,
“The tariff adjustment was has assembled an upward costs
a feasibility study and driven by continued experienced and continues from of capital. At a press briefing he said the
railways - is shortage there to Chicualacuala. Following a
of energy, petroleum products and steel. The price of diesel
iron-ore team. 14:00 departure, formedback toforce to work on “problematic
government has it runs a task Bulawayo, arriving on Friday
has gone up by 24% in the last eight months and there is morning.inThe Chiredzi-Bulawayo service retains its former
issues” the contract. When these have been identified,
double digit inflation as agreement over key rail and port
AML signed a lease well as dollar revaluation”. timing on other daysdevised to rectify shortcomings. If these
measures are to be of the week.
infrastructure with the government of Sierra Leone in are found to be sufficiently serious to consider terminating
Thermitrex (Pty) Ltd
Tel: +27 (0)11 914 2540
www.thermitrex.co.za
18
14 RAILWAYS AFRICA
RAILWAYS AFRICA 3 | 2008
September 2009 www.railwaysafrica.com
www.railwaysafrica.com

17. AfricA UpdAte
the contract, he said, the government would not hesitate to the government, through the Railway holdings and Assets
take this course. Company (RAhCO), has made rolling stock available,
to enable TRL to continue supplying service. he was
disappointed, he said, with Rites’ decision to suspend use
of its equipment (which was imported from India on hire to
TRL), until payment for the leasing eventuates.
WORKERS REPAIR LOCOS
According to The Citizen (published in Dar-es-Salaam),
“TRL (Tanzania Railways Limited) workers at the Morogoro
workshop managed to rehabilitate two “defunct” locomotives
to show the government they can run the company without
“the foreign partner”. The engines had been idle, they told the
paper, since Rail India Technical and Engineering Services
(Rites) “partnered with the government to establish TRL after
the divestiture of the former Tanzania Railways Corporation
(TRC).” Tanzania Railway Workers’ Union (Trawu) secretary-
General Silvester Rwegasira said the two engines were
Tanzania Railways Limited is the Rites-led concessionaire of the country’s among five that had been revived by TRL technicians and
national system. Photo: Richard Grönstedt. were now in use. There are four others lying idle which could
be revived if the necessary facilities and spare parts were
On the $US44 million loan which Tanzania Railways provided. Two Rites engines taken to India for repairs, the
Limited (TRL) had requested from the International Finance workers said, failed to work when they returned. “They were
Corporation (IFC), an arm of the World Bank, Dr Kawambwa tested twice in a trip from Morogoro to Dodoma and they
said the latter had initially agreed to provide $14 million to could not make it... they are still lying idle.”They asked the
TRL and had already disbursed $7 million. The government government to provide them with required facilities and
however requested IFC to withhold the remainder pending spare parts so that they could rehabilitate all engines and
the outcome of its discussions with Rites. wagons that have been grounded.
Minister Kawambwa gave the assurance that train services ZAMBIA
will not come to a halt as a result of Rites’ decision to ZAMBIAN CONCESSION UNDER FIRE
suspend the use of its own locomotives, coaches and Zambian presidential special assistant for policy
other equipment, pending payment of its dues. he said implementation and monitoring Ben Kapita has urged
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18. AfricA UpdAte
the government to take over operations of concessionaire doubt committed to continue to run the line. If we were not,
Railways Systems of Zambia (RSZ), even if cancellation of we wouldn’t have been investing up to now. RSZ is proud
the concession agreement means a cost to the taxpayer. of the way it is dealing with the challenges of vandalism,
Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) quoted competition, the bad condition of the line and the world
Kapita saying that investor NLPI Limited “has failed to economic crisis.”
operate the line”.
he pointed out that RSZ had continued to grow without the
Commenting to the press, RSZ CEO Benjamin Even said support of the government, hauling one million tonnes of
the company has invested about $US25 million to date, cargo annually in the last five years. “This trend is growing
compared to the contractual obligation of $15 million with more wagons, locomotives and other means being
specified in the agreement signed in 2003 (with which RSZ injected into the system. however, without the support of
is fully complying) and that a further $30 million is being government in respect of security and transport policies such
put in to enhance operations. he was quoted saying: “One as road levy, and unfair competition, it will be very difficult to
must understand that every business venture must include increase tonnages.”
the components of investment and return. If the return is
not in proportion to the investment, the business will simply ZIMBABWE
collapse - as was the case with certain other regional $US1 TO ENTER STATIONS
railways. The concession agreement did not specify that National Railways of
RSZ is required to bring the rail line to European standards Zimbabwe (NRZ) spokesman
as this would be completely non-commercial without very Fanuel Masikati explains that
heavy investment from government.” the $US1 fee now charged
to vehicles and pushcarts
RSZ, he pointed out, had continued to pay taxes, despite the entering the stations at
difficult operating environment. “RSZ is still investing in the Bulawayo, harare and Mutare
rail line, locomotives, wagons communications and security is a move to reduce congestion
- but still in proportion to the return which can be generated; and create parking space
all this at a time when parastatal companies in the region are for genuine customers. “The
collapsing. RSZ is paying taxes and sustaining itself without pushcart operators should
creating any burden on the Zambian government or taxpayer, pay the fees because they
and is at the same time still investing and maintaining its are making brisk business,
obligation to its employees and suppliers.” dealing with NRZ passengers
boarding or disembarking
RSZ is firmly committed to running the railway, Even from the trains.”
said, despite the difficult policy environment and unfair
competition from road transport. “We are 100% without any Garratt used for shunting at the coal stage in Bulawayo. Photo: Geoff Cooke.
16 RAILWAYS AFRICA September 2009 www.railwaysafrica.com

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20. sA rAilnews
South African Rail News
TRANSPORT MONTH IN SOUTH AFRICA NGQURA RAIL OPERATIONS BEGIN
On 30 September, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele In September, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) successfully ran
officially launched South Africa’s annual Transport Month. a test train on the new Ngqura connecting line, declaring it
he was accompanied by deputy transport minister Jeremy safe for operations. The rail route links the new port to the
Cronin, provincial transport MECs, senior government City Deep rail terminal in South Africa’s Gauteng Province
officials and key transport stakeholders as well as members via Beaconsfield (Kimberley). A shorter route exists but the
of the community. The campaign, themed “Safety in all Bloemfontein-Noupoort section (398km) is not electrified.
modes of transport: systems readiness for 2010, Sisonke Transnet has refurbished some 400 container wagons and
siyaphambili akujiki,” focuses on the user, operator and will deploy class 7E electric locomotives (25kV AC) on the
infrastructure with a strong emphasis on safety. line, which has a designed capacity of six 50-wagon trains
per day.
TRAVELLING RAIL POLICE STATIONS
On 30 September 2009, the Department of Transport’s (DoT) TFR is on target for completion of the port rail terminal,
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) launched a marshalling yard, and the connection to the main-line into
new “mobile police station coach initiative” associated with the hinterland. Rail-mounted container cranes are now in
long-distance rail travel on Shosholoza Meyl. It is aimed operation and there are presently four operational lines in the
at improving and ensuring the safety of travellers and in marshalling yard with the remaining five due to be available
particular soccer fans in 2010. by March 2010. The yard will accommodate up to six trains
per day per direction. The hinterland capacity of two trains
daily will be increased as volumes grow, subject to financial
and business viability.
The commercial launch of the port and associated container
terminal was scheduled for October.
The Port of Ngqura and its 60,000 hectare container terminal
represent Transnet’s solution to South Africa’s long-time
lack of sufficient container capacity. To date, in excess of
R10 billion has been invested in developing this state-of-the-
art port and associated infrastructure. This includes a world-
class, two-berth container terminal (with a further two berths
under construction), a two-berth multipurpose terminal and
a single berth liquid bulk terminal. Ngqura’s advantage over
Mobile police station: a new feature of South other ports in Africa is its depth of between 16 and 18 metres,
African long-distance trains which is able to accommodate new-generation container
“It will promote a positive customer experience and improve vessels.
the community’s perception of the service,” the department
says. Ngqura will enable Transnet to increase capacity for
container volumes, and at the same time relieve container
The coach is equipped with a charge office, separate holding congestion in the overall South African port system, while
cells for females and males, a safe for locking up firearms attracting additional transhipment cargo.
and dockets as well as sleeping compartments for officers.
18 RAILWAYS AFRICA September 2009 www.railwaysafrica.com

21. sA rAilnews
The port control tower will operate throughout the 24 hours,
though initially marine operations and services will be
restricted to ordinary day hours.
Equipment assembled and commissioned to date includes
22 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) and six Megamax
ship-to-shore cranes, two rail-mounted gantry cranes
(RMGs), two reach stackers, four empty container handlers
and installation of all 1,680 reefer frames for refrigerated
cargo. The Navis SPARCS N4 terminal operating system and
the auto gate facility have been commissioned.
While containers will be the primary cargo focus at the Port
of Ngqura, TFR is engaged in a conceptual study of rail-
specific traffic, with the aim of other commodities forming
part of the transport mix, depending on financial viability and
For reasons of efficiency and to maximise economic availability.
benefit to businesses in this area, planning of the port has
been integrated with that of the adjacent Coega Industrial TRANSNET LEADERSHIP: ZUMA CLARIFIES
Development Zone (IDZ). With its excellent supporting Appointing a successor to former Transnet CEO Maria Ramos
infrastructure and superstructure, the Ngqura container is the responsibility of public enterprises minister Barbara
terminal will be able to accommodate “ultra-mega” ships hogan. Neither the president of South Africa nor anyone
carrying 6,000 to 10,000 TEUs. It has the capacity to handle else should be seen to intervene. This is the substance of
in excess of 100 container moves per ship working-hour, a statement by President Zuma on 17 September, when
with sufficient stack and berth capacity to cater for future he deplored gossip over the issue in the press. Minister
growth up to 2 million TEUs. The terminal boasts good inland hogan meanwhile says the matter is being handled by the
connectivity for import and export traffic by means of both Transnet Board. Commenting on newspaper speculation,
road and rail. she emphasised that TFR CEO Siyabonga Gama had never
been shortlisted for the post.
Milestones achieved to date included handover of the port
control building, the container terminal’s first two (of four) EAST RAND STATIONS’ FACELIFT
berths, the two multi-purpose berths, the single liquid berth, A number of stations in the Ekurhuleni municipal area -the
the four-storey Transnet Port Terminals administration building East Rand - are being revamped ahead of the 2010 Fifa
and the temporary container engineering workshop. World Cup to provide spectators with a “first class” service.
Photo: Craig Dean