Espresso week 16
Opportunity: Tanzania Intermodal Rail Development Project (TIRP-2) – consultancy services for feasibility study and flood modelling of the Kinyasungwe catchment area including conducting feasibility study, flood modelling, detailed engineering designs for rehabilitation of the six reservoirs and preparation of ESIA. Premium subscribers click here:
Opportunity: Composite Wagon Brake Blocks. Premium subscribers click here:
TransNamib Announce Desmond Ernst Van Jaarsveld As The New CEO
The Board of Directors of TransNamib has announced the appointment of Mr. Desmond Ernst Van Jaarsveld as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TransNamib, effective from 17 April 2024. Mr. Van Jaarsveld brings extensive experience in business and leadership to his new role at TransNamib, with over 30 years of professional experience in various industries.
Open Access to South Africa’s Railway Network Has Encountered Another Delay
As of 1 April 2024, private rail operators were expected to be able to apply for access to Transnet Freight Rail. The “Published Rail Access Tariff Methodology” document, submitted to the Interim Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity (IRERC) in November 2023, stated that “IM will begin offering open access from 1 April 2024.” However, the Network Statement published by Transnet noted that the commencement of the application process would be contingent upon the completion of a public consultation process facilitated by IRERC and the finalisation of tariffs.
Although the delays might have been justifiable had the process adhered to the original timeline, the consultation process deadline has been postponed yet again. The latest notice from the Department of Transport, published in the Government Gazette on 16 April, extends the deadline for comments by nearly a month. The invitation for public commentary on the draft Transnet Network Statement by IRERC has been extended to 20 May 2024, with submissions due before 11:00 AM.
This represents a significant setback for operators who are prepared to commence operations but must now wait until this process is complete, adding several months to a process that has already been slow, to put it politely. With elections imminent and no further advancements in this regard, one could be forgiven for thinking that the opportunity to open rail in South Africa to the private sector might simply evaporate. Although one hopes not.
World Bank Announces Ousmane Dione as Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa Region
The World Bank has appointed Ousmane Dione as the new Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, effective today. Dione will lead the World Bank’s strategic partnerships with clients and stakeholders across the region, oversee an active operational portfolio of 139 projects with financing over $27 billion, and guide the region’s delivery of cutting-edge knowledge, policy advice and advisory services.
Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Company Transports Heavy Machinery and Trucks!
You can grab a pic from here: https://edr.gov.et/2024/04/13/ethio-djibouti-railway-is-expanding-its-service-scope-and-offering-new-cargo-services/
April 12, 2024 (EDR): The Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Company noted that it had transported two hundred pieces of heavy machinery and trucks from the port of Djibouti. This move marks a significant diversification of services, demonstrating the company’s capability to handle more than just bulk cargo and containers. Eng. Mebratu Delelegn, the COO, emphasised the company’s ability to adapt and meet the demands of its customers by expanding their service offerings. Previously known for its efficient handling of bulk cargo and containers, EDR has now proven its capability to transport heavy machinery, including graders essential for road infrastructure construction.