Creecy wants rail back on track as road transport costs rise

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy believes the rail sector in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is regaining momentum due to increasing road transport costs. With fuel prices rising, Creecy emphasizes the need for government to ensure that rail effectively competes with road freight services. She is committed to rehabilitating rail infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate financial burdens on households and businesses.

Creecy highlighted the importance of harnessing new technologies and technologies in a coordinated manner to boost aviation's role in integration, trade, and development. She encouraged member states to address taxes, fees, and regulatory barriers to unlock affordable and competitive air travel. Currently, South Africa manages about 21,000km of freight network, accounting for around 80% of Africa's total rail infrastructure.

Creecy mentioned ongoing rail corridor developments with Eswatini, Botswana, and Mozambique, as well as strengthening existing rail ties with Mozambique. Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Joshua Sacco, stated that the country is gradually shifting from road freight to rail due to a booming mining sector and increased agricultural production.

Sacco highlighted the importance of moving freight from roads to rail and the progress made in rehabilitating corridors from Machipanda, Baira, and Mutare to Harare. Malawi's Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Bright Kuwembe, expressed the need for rail due to the high cost of road transport. He mentioned that the Malawian government has been in talks with private players to rehabilitate the rail industry, with one company from South Africa showing interest in helping build and operate the line.