The government has invested N$2 billion towards the rehabilitation of the rail between Walvis Bay and Usakos.

This was revealed by the Executive Director of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Esther Kaapanda, during her visit to the railway tracks in Erongo Region.

There has been a public outcry over the dilapidated rail infrastructure across the country.

Kaapanda said the upgrading of the railway currently underway is done to reduce derailments as well as upgrade the rail network to SADC standards.

She further emphasized the importance of railway infrastructure, saying it is widely regarded as the safest method of transporting large quantities of hazardous chemicals in the country.

"It also alleviates the burden of transporting goods on our roads because a lot of trucks that are carrying heavy cargo are destroying roads. By investing in the rail sector, we will move this heavy cargo of tons to be transported on our rails. If you look at the transportation of goods on the road by trucks, compare that to the transportation of goods by rail. One rail, one train, and one specific train can carry cargo from eight trucks. You can move it by rail, and it can be carried in one go. So we will be able to carry heavy volumes, which also eases the burden of transporting goods on our roads because a lot of trucks that are carrying heavy cargo are destroying roads. By investing in the rail sector, we will move this heavy cargo of tons to be transported on our rail. "
 
More than 1,000 employees are said to be employed in the upgrading of the railway between Walvis Bay and Usakos.

She states that this investment is one of the biggest in the country's rail infrastructure.