No trains running

Thirteen TransNamib train drivers based in Walvis Bay went on strike on Monday in solidarity with a suspended colleague who allegedly refused to deliver a cargo of acid to the Rössing mine. This has resulted in a disruption of passenger and freight rail services to and from Walvis Bay. Anna Abrahams, a pensioner en route to Windhoek to see a doctor, told Namibian Sun that a TransNamib official only informed passengers late on Tuesday evening that there would be no passenger train. “I will have to make alternative travel arrangements early tomorrow morning because if I am not in Windhoek by tomorrow I will forfeit my appointment,” she said. A TransNamib machinist who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were unhappy with a request from Trans Namib directing them to do relief work at Rössing mine because they have not signed agreements to render such service. “When one of our colleagues refused to execute such an order he was suspended. The mine previously used and paid their own machinists at a rate of N$28 000 per month to take acid into its premises. “Trans Namib recently signed a deal to provide machinists for the transportation of acid into the mine. This is tantamount to providing cheap labour and we are not satisfied with this development,” the driver claimed. Trans Namib apparently informed them that they were required to transport cargo containing acid from Tsumeb and deliver it to the Rössing mine near Arandis. According to the machinists they had written a letter two weeks ago and informed management of their decision that no machinists would enter the mine with cargo due to their ongoing grievances pertaining to the issue. They also requested an increase on September 9 and demanded a reply from TransNamib by November 9. Approached for comment, Leah van Hagen, the General Manager for Organisational Resources at Rössing Uranium Limited, said the machinists were employed by TransNamib and questions should be put to that company. TransNamib spokesperson Struggle Ihuhua did not give any feedback by the time of going to press. WALVIS BAY OTIS FINCK