SPEDU Pays Botswana Railways A Visit

On May 30th, 2017 Botswana Railways was honoured with a visit by Selibe Phikwe Economic Development Unit (SPEDU). SPEDU was established in 2008 with a mandate to promote and lead sustainable economic diversification activities through Tourism, Agribusiness, Manufacturing and Strategic Infrastructural development in the SPEDU Region.

It was in pursuance of this undertaking that day, BR met in the main Boardroom with SPEDU representatives comprising of DR. Mokubung Mokubung, Ms. Lesedi Lungu and Ms. Kefilwe Leepile being the Chief Executive Officer, Manager Tourism and Manager Manufacturing respectively. The SPEDU officials were accompanied by Mr. Max Staelo, Mr Rowen Von Gericke and Mr. Chris Von Gericke from Global Railway Engineering (PTY) LTD.

Botswana Railways team comprised of the Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Stephen Makuke, Director Operations and Engineering Mr. Justice Ramontsho, Acting Director Business Development Ms. Dolly Gaeete, Internal Audit and Risk Manager Mr. Kenneth K. Tamasiga and Acting Corporate Communications Manager Ms. Julia Thekiso.

The prospective investors, Global Railway Engineering approached BR through SPEDU with the inventiveness of setting up a workshop in Selibe Phikwe utilising the old Sefalana Warehouse or the Nata Clearing terminal which previously served as a loading point for BCL - South Africa bound Copper, both of which are now non-operational.

The Company expressed confidence that given an opportunity, they will be of great service to BR as far as rolling stock repairs is concerned. They indicated that they are adequately resourced as they have the technical knowhow with experience spanning over 34 years and equipment to service BR locomotives and wagons once they have set up workshops.

The Acting CEO shared that there were over 600 wagons needing repairs and that BR would preferably use a local company in all their maintenance jobs as it will greatly reduce the turnaround time and also be cost effective. He also appraised the visitors of the Tender Procedures in place which ensures that all companies interested in providing a service to Botswana Railways are justly selected.