Gov’t must bail out BR

In our previous edition, we commented on the Botswana Railways’ (BR) passenger train, urging the authorities at the state-owned railways company to return the train to the rail line. This week we continue the editorial to highlight the importance of the passenger train to Botswana’s transport system. The issue is escalated to the government level because we believe it cannot just be business as usual on this one. BR management has made its point clear on why it is difficult to sustain the passenger train. The BR management has cited losses as chief amongst other factors, with the situation believed to have also been exacerbated by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is true what the railways parastatal is saying about it not being profitable, hence unsustainable. However, it is surprising that we hear this from a parastatal. As we know, most parastatals if not all are sustained through subventions. We believe that should be the case for BR, especially regarding the sustainability of this important service that the entity offers to the nation.

Government business is not to be concerned more about profitability but rather service delivery. BR should be treated like other parastatals and get enough support from government to sustain the passenger train. The government has demonstrated on countless occasions it can come to the rescue of its entities. For example, government has bailed out entities such as Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) in the past. This is because the government understood the significance of the BMC on the national economy, more importantly the social aspect. Why is it then difficult for government to extend the same treatment to BR, specifically on the issue of the ‘Blue Train’? BR has been left to fend for itself even when it is clear that the entity is struggling with Blue Train. Why has government neglected the passenger train? There are other ways that government make money. But as we said previously, the passenger train can also be attractive and profitable with proper investment. Around the world, passenger train is an essential element of surface transportation system. The passenger train service supports economic development, connects rural communities to the nation and helps reduce roadway congestion in major roads. In addition, it makes it easier for commuters to reach their destinations every weekday. The suspension of the passenger train has inconvenienced travellers between the northern and the southern parts of the country. Government must come on board and assist BR especially by way of subventions to return and revitalise the passenger train. Improving service delivery to the people on the part of government comes with challenges, which include loss making. There are instances where government has to make exceptions and face the reality that this service has to be delivered no matter the cost. We believe this is one of such cases. We call on government to do all it can to ensure that the Blue Train returns to the rail line.