Plans to build a railway line to Sossusvlei divides opinion

Posted by David Henning on 22 March 2022

A train to the desolate Sossusvlei in Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft Park is on the cards after the plan was approved by Minister of Environment, Tourism and Forestry Pohamba Shifeta.

Concession rights were granted to Sky Eye Tours and Hospitality in March 2020 for a ‘fixed helium hot air balloon and a motorised transport system’.

This concession was granted on the conditions that the Monument Council had no objections, an environmental clearance certificate was sought and that Namibia Wildlife Resorts was involved.

Currently, access to Sossusvlei is restricted to 4×4 vehicles. The road from Sesriem to the Sossusvlei car park is tarred, but the last 4km is not.

Vehicle lanes are up to 50m wide on the last 4km stretch, which reportedly has an environmental impact. Sky Eye Tours and Hospitality intends to build a ‘modern transport service’ allowing visitors to travel the last 4km by train.

The plan is to build a railway track on pillars five metres above the ground in order not to disturb the natural flow of the river. The train will be powered by two generators, with a one-way trip taking 12 minutes.

At the end of the line, after passengers arrive at Sossusvlei itself, the company intends to install a ‘fixed helium-filled hot air balloon’ for tourists to view the dunes 150m above the ground.

This announcement has not been well received, especially from residents in the area and lodge owners. The plans are described as a ‘disgrace’ and will ‘negatively affect the unspoiled scenery’, with fears that Sossusvlei will lose its charm.

What’s more, The Namibian newspaper’s Investigative Unit and the Advancement of Journalism Centre reported on corruption allegations regarding the concession in August 2021.

According to The Namibian, Sky Eye Tours is 75% owned by Namibian businessman Laban Kandume, who has a reputation for securing multimillion-dollar tenders from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform.

Kandume insists that everything was done above board, but The Namibian reported that when Namibia Wildlife Resorts asked the executive director of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Theo Nghitila to furnish supporting documents, including Sky Eye’s proposal or business plan, nothing was received.

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