BY PRINCESS MAHLALELA
MBABANE – The Eswatini Railways Tourist Train has been officially launched on the 5th of September, 2023, in a grand ceremony attended by esteemed guests and officials. The launch event was graced by the presence of Chief Ndlaluhlaza ,Minister of Public Works and Transport, the Board Chairman of Eswatini Railways, the CEO of Eswatini Railways Nixon Dlamini, and the CEO of the Eswatini Tourism Authority, among others.
Addressing the audience, the spokesperson of the event expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to witness the realization of a long-awaited dream. They acknowledged the challenges faced during the journey, as is common with any new project, but emphasized that these obstacles did not deter the organization from moving forward.
The launch of the Eswatini Railways Tourist Train comes at a time when the country, like the rest of the world, is dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises. These setbacks have significantly affected the plans to revive the Eswatini economy and address socio-economic challenges. As a response, the Eswatini Government is implementing reforms to restore financial stability and create an environment conducive to private sector development.
Eswatini Railways, which has been primarily involved in the transportation of bulk cargo by rail for the past 59 years, has recognized the need to diversify its business operations. The Railway Act of 1964, which established the organization, envisions a broader scope for rail services. The launch of the Tourist Train is a testament to the strategic intent of Eswatini Railways to expand its operations and contribute to driving the economy.
The Tourist Train represents a significant opportunity for Eswatini Railways to explore new business avenues and forge partnerships across various sectors of the economy. It is expected to generate returns that will benefit the organization and the country as a whole. The integration of the Tourist Train with other sectors and the collaboration with strategic partners, such as CFM, has been instrumental in bringing this dream to fruition.
