anyone home?, page-15

WEDNESDAYApr 11th
Home News Northcast Molefhi urges BR to develop network of services
Molefhi urges BR to develop network of services
Written by Sesupo Rantsimako   
WEDNESDAY, 11 APRIL 2012 12:00


FRANCISTOWN: The Minister of Transport and Communications Nonofo Molefhi has urged Botswana Railways (BR) to build a relationship with local mines in order to make sure that there is development of network of services between the parties and exploiting of local minerals.

Last week BR in collaboration with African Energy Resources witnessed the first coal trial run destined to Maputo in Mozambique which is the route that marked the beginning of the two countries to work together in transporting coal.   “We have lots of minerals in our country but this mineral wealth can be in doubt if we do not exploit it. As the country which is rich in minerals we have to export to other countries that have technology of processing it into finished goods,” said Molefhi. Molefhi said despite the partnership of the two companies, BR has to be cautionary during the transportation of coal to avoid impediments that always arise in some of the deals.

He called on the BR and African Energy Resources employees to do their job diligently in order to achieve their goal. “Once the transportation has started we do not want a situation whereby the wagons will be disrupted when in transport mission,” he said. For his part Director of African Energy Resources Philip Clark was optimistic that their partnership with BR will not disappoint as they are already receiving positive support from all the relevant stakeholders. Clark said they appreciated the opportunity provided by BR as it will make them participate in the milestone event which is going to benefit the country.

“Therefore we are grateful for the efforts of Botswana Railways in assisting African Energy transport coal from Sese coal mine to Maputo,” he said.