Monkagedi Gaotlhobogwe
26 October 2009
Mozambique has joined Namibia in courting Botswana to build a railway line to its seaport and a dry port. The latest newsletter from the Botswana Ministry of Works and Transport says that Mozambique tabled its proposal in June.
The proposal was made to a Botswana delegation made up of the then Minister of Works and Transport Johnnie Swartz and Permanent secretary Carter Morupisi. Mozambique wants Botswana to consider the establishment and development of a railway line between the two countries and a dry port in its seaside capital Maputo. The Mozambican proposal indicates that Botswana could transport goods through a railway line from Serule to Maputo.
The proposal fits well with Botswana's transport linkages with the rest of the region. It will increase the country's competitiveness in the international markets. Botswana has stepped up efforts to create a Transport Hub, which, when fully operational, will help in diversification of the economy. It positions the country as the transport hub of the region, thanks to its central location.
The possibility of a railway line between Serule and Maputo could offer better opportunities for Botswana railways in the transportation of goods between the two countries. A dry port for Botswana in Maputo is seen as having the potential to diversify Botswana's trade routes and links with more countries in the sub-continent.
Swartz is said to have informed his Mozambican counterpart, Paulo Zucula, about Botswana's ongoing efforts to develop a dry port at the Namibia's Walvis Bay, as well as the proposed trans-Kalahari railway that will connect Botswana to the Namibian coast and the proposed Kazungula Bridge. Botswana and Namibia last month concluded a lease agreement for the development of a dry port at Walvis Bay. Namibia proposed the idea to Botswana in 2005.
Namibian records show that in 2007, 4,607 tonnes of cargo destined for Botswana was imported via Walvis Bay. About 528 tonnes of Botswana cargo was exported through Walvis Bay although 2008 saw a decline in imports by 36% to 2,948 tonnes. Exports also decreased to 286 tonnes, a 45% decrease.
Namibia and Botswana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in February 2008 to pave way for a lease agreement to establish a dry port at Walvis Bay. A tough and lengthy process of negotiation followed culminating in the signing of the lease agreement last month. Under the agreement, Botswana will have access to a prime piece of land in the Port of Walvis Bay measuring 36,233m2. This is expected to give an alternative for importers and exporters a more efficient and direct trade route with the Americas and Europe.
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