28 Jan 2015

Botswana and Namibia are committed to expediting construction of the Trans Kalahari Rail Project that will be connecting Botswana to the Namibian Atlantic coast.

Namibian High Commissioner to Botswana, Mr Mbapeua Muvangua said this after presenting his letters of credence to President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama at Office of President on January 28.

He said his government would be working closely with the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources to ensure that the project that will ease congestion in the roads takes off.

He said the envisaged project was vital and important, not only for the two governments, but for the integration of the region. Mr Muvangua, however, acknowledged that there were challenges with regards to finances, but noted that the two governments need to work hard so that the project is realised.

On other issues, he said his country recently held elections that were peaceful under the observation of SADC and AU. He further noted that Botswana and Namibia had been friends for a long time, even before colonialism and that the people of the two countries are very close.

Botswana and Namibia also have relations in trade and investment, education, agriculture and immigration. Other major projects that Botswana and Namibia have cooperated in are the West Africa Cable System (WACS) and the dry port. ENDS