SADC Ministers have expressed concern over the delay in the construction of the Trans-Kalahari Railway connecting Namibia and Botswana.

Ministers expressed these concerns at the ministerial meeting held in Windhoek.

This regional project, expected to provide a direct connection to Walvis Bay for landlocked Botswana, seems to have been stalled.

"Trade is hampered, economic growth is hampered, and our efforts as politicians to improve employment and reduce and eliminate poverty are actually working against us, resulting in me and you not being reliable and putting in a good performance," lamented Eric Molale, Botswana's Minister of Works and Transport.

While warning the committee against bureaucracy, Molale urged them to come up with solutions for the project.

"If we are not careful, bureaucracy can turn into red tape and block things, and red tape is not a necessary evil. So, distinguish between bureaucracy and red tape."

Namibia's Works and Transport Minister, John Mutorwa, emphasized that he is also not happy that the project has not kicked off, even though an office was allocated to the secretariat committee.

"In terms of the space that is allocated there, I do not know how many offices are allocated to the PMO. I do not want to hear, at least during the time I am the minister of transport, that no, there is no more space for the secretariat, Mr. Smith, for this particular project, which is very important."

The aim of the Ministerial Committee meeting was to get an update on progress made in the construction of the Trans-Kalahari Railway since the bilateral agreement was signed.