The Swaziland rail link project will have no shortage of support as there are a number of local companies that want to develop services along the line.

Ministry of Public Works and Transport Principal Secretary Cyril Kunene has said that the project must bring investors, businesspeople, communities and the public at large together.

Kunene said that this project comes at a time when the country needs a rejuvenation of its economy and the transport system is one way of accomplishing this.

He also noted that the government was confident that Transnet Freight Rail and Swaziland Railway would apply their knowledge to the project and ensure that it is carried out successfully.

“It is obvious and evident that these two railways can embark on a capital intensive project and reap the desired fruits.

“Previously, the two countries successfully constructed two projects and one of them is the Phuzumoya and Golela line.

“It allows exports and imports to be transported, and Swaziland imports fuel through this line from Durban. The other project previously embarked on is the 1996 northern link from Mpaka to Komatipoort, which goes beyond South Africa,” he said.

Kunene said the link would ease the influx of importers and exporters at Ngwenya border post.

He said Swaziland’s biggest trading partner was Gauteng and as a result the Oshoek border was always abuzz with people who trades with that province thus the rail line would help in this regard.