Chamwe Kaira
A year after the minister of works and transport, Veikko Nekundi, cancelled TransNamib’s move to buy 23 new locomotives for N$1.7 billion because of what he termed ‘single sourcing’, TransNamib has disclosed that the procurement process for new rolling stock will commence in due course.
This follows the completion of an independent technical evaluation of locomotive manufacturers.
Before the cancellation, TransNamib had planned to standardise its fleet through the procurement of general electric/wabtec locomotives.
The company is one of the world’s largest rail technology manufacturers and supplies freight and passenger rail systems.
TransNamib manager for corporate communications Alina Garises said the independent evaluation report has already been submitted to management and the board for consideration.
She said the procurement and remanufacturing of locomotives will be conducted through the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) in line with the Public Procurement Act.
Garises said funding for the project has already been secured through development finance institutions, including the Development Bank of Namibia and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
In a related update, CPBN spokesperson Johanna Kambala said the previous bid had been cancelled and that the board has not yet received new instructions from TransNamib on the next steps.
She said enquiries regarding the procurement should be directed to the rail operator.
TransNamib said it remains focused on improving fleet capacity and rail service efficiency across the country.
TransNamib said it is working toward modernisation, operational stability, and safer rail services.
TransNamib currently transports about 1.5 million tonnes of cargo each year. Through its fleet modernisation programme, TransNamib aims to increase annual cargo capacity to 4 million tonnes within the next five years.
TransNamib operates an ageing fleet with between 23 and 26 locomotives. The company says it requires at least 34 reliable locomotives to improve operations and reduce equipment failures.
The fleet upgrade forms part of a broader N$2.6 billion funding package supported by the Development Bank of Namibia and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
The rail operator is targeting bulk cargo markets, including increased manganese transport from South Africa to the Port of Lüderitz, while also expanding logistics operations through the Port of Walvis Bay.
