Enhancing Transit Policy and Infrastructure Development in Botswana

1. FUNDAMENTAL TRANSIT ISSUES, TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE O.M.B. MOSIGI Director Transport Hub Ministry of Transport and Communications

2. Presentation Outline • Introduction • Fundamental transit policy (Botswana’s perspective) • Transport Infrastructure Development • Conclusion

3. Introduction • The VPoA for Landlocked Developing Countries is a ten year action plan aimed at accelerating sustainable development in Landlocked Developing Countries. • The overaching goal is to address the special development needs and challenges of landlocked developing countries arising from landlockedness, remoteness and geographical constraints in a more coherent manner. • Particular attention is given to the development and expansion of efficient transit systems and transport development, enhancement of competitiveness, expansion of trade, regional cooperation, and the promotion of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development to reduce poverty.

4. Cont…. • The Action plan has identified 6 priorities. • Fundamental transit policy issues. • Infrastructure development and maintenance • International trade and trade facilitation • Regional integration and cooperation • Structural economic transformation • Means of implementation

5. Fundamental Transit Policy • Botswana has signed the following treaties to facilitate free movement of people and goods through her territory. The movement may either be transit or destined for Botswana. • The SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology. • The SACU MoU on Road Transport • TKC MoU • BASA • Bilateral Road Transport Agreements with neighboring countries. All these are aimed at: • Reducing travel time along the route. • Access to the sea and oversea markets • Reduce time spend at the border • Improve intermodal connectivity. Initiatives • Harmonization of legislation with the Region • Development of the Regional Integration Strategy • Harmonization of cross border transport permit

6. Infrastructure Development (Three Packages)

7. Infrastructure Development (Kazungula Bridge) Completion Image of Bridge (View from Botswana side)

8. One Stop Border Post System

9. Cont… • Construction of OSBP at Mamuno (Botswana/Namibia)border. • Botswana passed legislation • Namibia yet to pass the legislation • Construction of OSBP at Pioneer (Botswana/South Africa)border. • Rehabilitation of the NSC • Improvement of communication along the TKC • Development of the truck stops along the TKC

10. Cont.. • Improvements at four major airports is on going. • Maintenance of the existing road networks. • Development of the rail links (Mosetse/Kazungula & Mamabula/Lephalale) • Links considered to the west and east coastal countries. • Development of the dry port in Walvis Bay

11. Conclusion • Poor quality and gaps in physical infrastructure are still major obstacles to developing viable and predictable transit transport system. • Improvement and maintenance of the existing facilities is crucial. The MTC has developed Road Maintenance Manuals and is developing the Road Design Manuals all to assist in improving the infrastructure in this country. • It is important that as we are reviewing our transport legislation, we should be cognizance of the VPoA. • Botswana should also be cognizant of the regional approach to transport infrastructure (Tripartite Approach) • should we allow vehicles with high axle load limits to transit our country. What about the damages caused to our roads which were not meant to carry that load. • Botswana has now developed the road index to guide on the conditions of the roads.