7 MAY 2019
NAMIB TIMES
5
Namibia Logistics Hub gains traction The advancement of the Namibia Logistics Hub initiative continues to gain traction as the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), through its Logistics Hub project pushes forward, implementing the strategies and plans detailed in Namibia's Logistics Hub Master Plan. With the commencement of the count down for the commissioning of the new Container Terminal at the Port of Walvis Bay, slotted for August 2019, the WBCG has intensified efforts to attract more volumes and additional investment in infrastructure. Under the Logistics Hub Project, several additional studies and programs to support this initiative have been rolled out and completed over the past year. Amongst them was the Strategic Marketing Study, which looked at the current trade in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), focusing on major volumes to and from markets like Zambia, DRC, South Africa and Botswana. Through this, the most suitable cargo type was identified and is supported by a strategic intervention plan to move more cargo on the Walvis Bay corridors. The most recent project under the Logistics Hub initiative was the launch of the Namibia State of Logistics report, an important tool to gauge key areas in driving the Namibia Logistics Hub Initiative. The roll-out of this report serves as the premier benchmark for Namibian logistics activity and is a noteworthy milestone, since Namibia is one of the first African countries to have developed a report like this. “Sustaining the momentum gained under the Logistics Hub Project whilst enhancing our business development activities to attract new opportunities to Namibia, remain one of our core focus areas. With that said, WBCG constantly revaluates its approach to the market”, explains WBCG's Acting CEO, Mr Clive Smith. For the organisation, this means fostering alliances and closer working relations with members as well as users of the Walvis Bay corridors, existing and potential. The Logistics Hub Project aims to deepen economic integration and put in place measures to improve competitiveness and enhance closer trade and investment linkages. It's with great pride that the WBCG continues to play a central role in Namibia's regional transport and corridor development. “We rely heavily on partners and our stakeholders and thus allow me to extend our heartfelt appreciation to those that support Namibia's drive to transform itself into a Logistics Nation”, notes Mr Smith. “As a service organisation, our stakeholders and partners remain at the forefront of our daily activities. Consolidating our activities of the past 5 years as we developed and implemented the Namibia Logistics Master Plan, our members and other stakeholders can be assured of our continued efforts to put Namibia on the map as a viable trade route in terms of efficiencies and cost effectiveness”. There is no time for rest, as many important steps have been initiated which lead to the
development of Namibia as a Logistics Hub for Southern Africa. These efforts must continue and the products, such as this State of Logistics report must be utilised. The success of the Logistics Hub Project hinges on a coordinated and synergised implementation of the Logistics Master Plan programmes and projects. Looking forward, the project aims to tackle the areas of capacity building, strategic marketing, better integrated border management, green logistics, port- and corridor development. – this article was published on the official website of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group. Alongside: a container vessel alongside in the port of Walvis Bay - loading and discharging containers
Botswana Dry Port
Sea Rail Botswana committed to service delivery Walvis Bay Corridor Group News Botswana's Dry Port operator at the Port of Walvis Bay, Sea Rail has reaffirmed their commitment to delivering cost-effective competitive services in an effort to unlock economic growth. Outlining the value proposition of the Botswana Dry Port, Dry Port Manager Mr. Derick Mokgatle stated that Sea Rail functions as a transport link to regional neighbours, diversifying port routes for Botswana's strategic commodities. “We increase access to international markets (especially Europe and Americas) by having a dedicated port ground on the Atlantic Ocean for imports and exports”, says Mr. Mokgatle. The Botswana Dry Port aims to establish a footprint for future Trans-Kalahari rail
corridor development and to improve efficiencies to Botswana and customers from the Southern African Development Community. As a small facility, clients have direct access to the management staff, allowing them to have full control of their cargo. “We see our clients as partners and pride ourselves in ensuring the customer gets the best possible service”, Mr. Mokgatle adds. The Dry Port's 36 200 sqm can handle 4800 cars annually with its assigned 300 parking bays. The facility offers general housing as well as the potential to
develop specialised warehousing that handle a combined tonnage of 80 000 tonnes.
It additionally has a container handling facility which handles 17 000 TEUs annually and is designed to have
Botswana Dry Port in Walvis Bay
a cold storage facility with the potential to handle up to 10 000 tonnes annually.