WINDHOEK, 06 January 2021: TransNamib can confirm that the heavy rains in the south has damaged the rail in the following areas:
1) Ariamsvlei to Keetmansmanshoop
We have wash aways between Gawachab Station and Noute station.
2) Wash aways at Seeheim to Aus
The section which we know that have wash aways are between Goageb station and Bucholzbrunn station.
3) Keetmanshoop to Mariental
We have wash aways between Brukkaros and Asab.
Given that more rain is expected in the south this week, and that repair work would be futile while the south is still experiencing heavy rains, it would be premature of us to give a timeline of how long it will take to fix the railway line and the cost estimate involved. We are currently busy with inspections and assessing the extent of the damage and continuously monitoring the situation.
TransNamib has also suspended its passenger services operations and will communicate to the public once it is viable for the company to resume its passenger services operations. The damage to the rail has also impacted TransNamib’s ability to transport freight to the south and back, and we will only be able to give a true reflection of the impact to the company’s revenue once all factors have been taken into consideration.
Media Contact:
Abigail Raubenheimer
Manager: Corporate Communications
Email: Abigail. Raubenheimer@transnamib.com.na
Phone: 081 127 8137