The future of Africa might rely on trains. Many regions of the continent, including Southern and East Africa, are emerging with new standard gauge railways and international deals to finance lines that extend from ports to deserts. However, there’s been a myriad of issues with railway lines from Uganda to South Africa. This has left many wondering: Why is it so hard to build a railway in Africa?

Sorely Needed

One of the major problems facing both communities and the economy in many parts of Africa is simply getting around. Trucks, which supply almost all of the goods to inland regions of the continent are known for belching out black exhaust. In addition, because many are so overloaded, trucks often go outrageously slow, causing difficulties in the distribution of not only food and water, but medication and basic living goods.

When this is combined with poor roads, no roads and narrow roads it leads not only to traffic accidents when drivers attempt to overtake trucks, but trips that should take three hours on a standard western-style freeway can take as long as eight hours to complete.

Embracing Train Travel

These days Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa have embraced the idea of train travel and partnered with investors who understand that with vast quantities of natural resources on the continent, the ability to move goods quickly and efficiently could absolutely change the way we do business on a global level. This is one of the reasons that China has promised to donate up to 90 percent of the costs for a railway going through East Africa.

And considering that one of the major draws for tourists to the continent is the natural environment and wildlife, trains can make a minimal impact on the air quality in these protected areas. Most vehicles, especially in East Africa, are not regulated for emissions. And while trains still give out emissions — compared to the current status quo — it would be a marked improvement.

Running Into Trouble

However despite plans that have been in place for years, railway development is still hitting snags. In South Africa, where high speed trains were designed to change the future of travel in the region, the government made an almost epic blunder by buying train cars that were not compatible with the local lines.

And reports are that railway officials in South Africa knew this was the case as they were ordering the locomotives. So why did they do it? Although we can only speculate, it is not out of left field to suggest that corruption played a role.

And this seems to be a major issue in East Africa as well. For instance, in Uganda the Standard Gauge Railway Project, which involves linking the East African community with ports in Kenya, has run into issues of just who will construct their railway. Allegations of peddling contracts have run rampant. And reports of inflating construction costs got so bad in Uganda it caused the Parliament to launch an investigation into the actions surrounding railway contract procurement.

Traders, commuters, rural communities, doctors and tourists alike could all benefit from a proper network of railways in East and Southern Africa. New lines could change the face of business on the continent. But it seems that once again the people are suffering as government entities drag their feet, trying to ensure they get a proper ‘cut’ of the business before it can even begin to benefit the public.

Source: Care2

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.