Working Together, We Can Transform The South African Railway Network For The Better

Global consensus does exist – in one way, at least. For a greener and more prosperous future for us all, rail transport must serve as the backbone of our transportation systems. In South Africa the pressing question is, how do we achieve this?

According to the African Development Bank Group, rail transport, due to its energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower cost per-ton-kilometre, is expected to play a pivotal role in the conveyance of freight over long distances.

Investment in rail offers the dual benefits of economic development and climate impact mitigation. As we have seen in recently concluded climate talks, the two things can rarely be separated to ensure a sustainable and just transition.

Through the course of the past five years, South Africa has been on an exciting economic renewal journey.

Government policy initiatives such as Operation Vulindlela, the National Logistics Crisis Centre (NLCC) and the forward-thinking Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) have undoubtedly accelerated progress and added substantial momentum to match the government’s ambitions.

And yet, to unlock more of its economic potential, revitalisation and sustainability aims, the country will need substantial strategic investment in infrastructure.

This article originally appeared on iafrica.com. Read the full article here.