Railway sector in SADC faces many challenges: Creecy

The railway sector in the SADC region continues to face a myriad of challenges. That’s according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. She was speaking at the 13th annual Southern African Railway Association conference at the Sandton Convention Center, under the theme “Boosting Continental Trade via Rail”.

Creecy says the sector requires collaboration within the SADC region to address its many challenges. The rail industry over the years has been faced with challenges such as crime, theft and vandalism. Climate change has also been identified as one of the issues faced by the railway sector.

Creecy says rail infrastructure is being destroyed by extreme weather conditions. She says to mitigate climate change, the sector needs to adopt cleaner fuels and new technologies.

“As we develop our rail offerings, we must also be conscious of changes that are taking place in a rapidly technologically changing world and of course also the changes that are being imposed on us by climate change. In our region, extreme weather events are already wreaking havoc with our rail infrastructure and many other aspects of our built environment. It is important that we capitalize on the advantages that railways offer as an environmentally friendly and sustainable mode of transport and this is a strength that we must harness and expand.”

Video: Railway Sector – Creecy welcoming remarks at 13th South African Railway Association conference

Prasa Group CEO and SARA President, Hishaam Emran says there is work being done in addressing railway challenges.

“We have seen significant advancements in the rail infrastructure development, these efforts are laying the foundation for a modern and a more connected, efficient and sustainable rail network that will serve as the backbone of Africa’s economic transformation. We all know that rail provides the means of the most affordable, efficient and safest way to move both people and goods. In this regard, we should all be pleased to see the significant progress that has been achieved in the implementation of the libido corridor within SADC, we believe that this critical corridor will unlock the enormous potential of the region.”

Meanwhile, Zambia’s Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali says his country is working in partnership with South Africa to address congestion in the north-south corridor.

“South Africa’s major trade route with Zambia to the DRC is obviously through what is known as the north-south corridor. There has been a constriction once you enter Zambia, owing to the fact that that major route taking you to the border with the, you know, DRC has been a single lane way. But that traffic over the years has increased so much.”

Meanwhile, Creecy says the rail industry has a direct impact on the cost structure of economies, influencing the prices of commodities, manufacturing inputs and exports.