Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, has lashed out at TransNamib employees, saying there is a need for the parastatal to implement strategic policy collectively aimed at improving the country’s railway sector.

Speaking at a workshop on the railway institutional set-review here on Wednesday, Mutorwa fumed that there are some employees abusing public properties, offices and resources for their own individual benefit, which derails the broad vision of the railway transportation services.

Mutorwa said there is dissatisfaction with the rail network, saying the parastatals owe it to the Namibians with expectations to be offered public rail services, having contributed with their taxes and workforce to the establishment of the rail network.

He added that the limited budget is often referred to as the contributor to the current failed railway sector in the country, however he stressed that presently the parastatal has nothing to present to what it has done with the limited budget to even convince the government for a desired funding to reform the sector.

“In many cases, you will hear it is money but when you ask the question what is that you have done with the little, zero. It’s a fact that resources are in individuals’ hands, where is this individual greed and abuse of public properties coming from? And then we cry we are poor,” he lambasted.

Mutorwa emphasised that a new kind of railway system is needed in Namibia, therefore, the ministry has been implementing the Transport Infrastructure Improvement Project (TIIP) since 2020, which is core-funded by the government and the African Development Bank through a loan facility.

He noted that the upgrade of the country’s railway line is in line with the fifth National Development Plan (NDP5) and the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP), and is aimed at leading the Namibian railway systems to ultimately become the preferred transport mode of choice by 2030.

“The government will continue to facilitate as a key role player in the sustainable development of an effective railway infrastructure, systems and structures that enhance the modernisation of Namibia’s railway sector,” he added.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency