‘Neighbouring states should follow suit’
ED RICHARDSON
“I WANT you to write this down so that the
authorities here in Namibia can see it, and also the
authorities in the neighbouring countries. Our roads
are world-class and that is thanks to a dedicated road
fund which cannot be used for anything else,” says
an emphatic Willie du Toit, chairman of the Namibia
Road Carriers' Association (Namrod).
“It is our biggest plus,” he continues. “We have the
best roads in Southern Africa. I go overseas at least
once a year to stay up to date with the latest trends
and I can assure you that our roads are not third
world.
“Even the gravel roads to the remotest corners of
the country are in excellent condition. Namrod prides
itself on the fact that it was instrumental in setting
up the fund,” he says.
The association is keen to see similar funds
introduced in neighbouring South Africa, Botswana,
Zambia and Angola, as good quality roads will help
smooth the logistics of transporting freight over long
distances.
Road hauliers in Namibia have a number of
unique challenges, according to du Toit. One is that
their vehicles have to travel many thousands of
kilometres through to the top of Zambia without
support. Breakdowns can take days to fix, and
companies will sometimes fly mechanics and spares
to remote areas in order to get the truck back on the
road.
Another challenge is that the majority of freight is
breakbulk because the flow is mostly one way from
the port of Walvis or South Africa inland and it is not
economical to bring back empty containers.
Namrod is also working with the authorities in
Botswana and South Africa to ensure that the trans-
Kalahari corridor realises its potential. While the
route across Botswana is much shorter, it is often
quicker to go via Upington because the South Africa/
Botswana border post closes too early, he says.
However, du Toit is confident that a solution will
be found.
In the meantime, he would also like to see more
freight landing at Walvis Bay. “We can provide very
fast secure services from Walvis to the Caprivi and
Zambia. It is far more efficient than using Cape Town
or Durban for these markets,” he says.