Transnet asks Treasury for R26bn to refurbish rail network

The National Treasury will head to next month’s medium-term budget policy statement seized with an application from the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (Trim) for a further R26bn to refurbish the country’s rail network.

A new corridor linking mines in Botswana to South Africa’s ports is on the cards.

Trim, established by Transnet as an independent operating division to manage, operate and maintain the national rail network infrastructure, said the country’s rail network is marked by visible deterioration due to prolonged under-investment, theft and vandalism.

The entity on Friday acknowledged the Transnet was not in a financial position to fund the rehabilitation of the rail network , which is essential to facilitating trade.