Govt must bail out BR

Mmegi Editor | Monday August 22, 2022 06:00

This week we continue the editorial to highlight the importance of the passenger train to the transport system of this country.

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 why it is difficult to sustain the passenger train.

The management cite loss-making as chief among other factors, with the situation believed to have also worsened by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is true what BR is saying about BR not being profitable, therefore unsustainable.

However, it is surprising that we here this from a parastatal. As we know, most government parastatals if not all are sustained through subventions. We believe that should be the same 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 service delivery.

BR should be treated like other parastatals and get enough support from government to sustain the passenger train. Government has demonstrated on countless times by bailing out entities such as Botswana Meat Commission (BMC). This is because government understands the significance of the BMC on the national economy, more importantly the social aspect.

Why is it 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 last 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 part of this country. Government must come on board and assist BR especially by way of subventions to return and revitalize 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 costs. We believe this is one of such cases. We call on government to do all it can to ensure that Blue Train returns to the rail line.

Today’s thought

“The reality of the public sector today is that it is assessed by the efficiency of its service delivery. No longer is the effectiveness of the public sector measured by the revenue it generates or the employment it provides.”

-R Chandrashekhar, Additional Secretary, eGovernance, Government of India