Cement from derailed train being salvaged

BAGS of cement salvaged from the Sunday TransNamib train derailment at Kranzberg, between Usakos and Karibib, will be collected and brought back to Windhoek, says TransNamib public relations officer Olivia Kanyemba.

TransNamib was approached for comment on reports that bags of cement damaged in the accident would be bulldozed into the ground rather than removed from the site. Concerned citizens pointed out the environmental impact of such a move and the contamination that may result.Kanyemba said, however, that the cement that had spilled from torn bags would be “cleaned up” and not bulldozed into the ground.She added that a truck was on its way from Windhoek to the accident site to pick up the undamaged bags.She could not say what percentage of the cargo had been salvaged, as the clean-up operation was continuing.She confirmed that four of the derailed wagons were carrying 880 bags of cement each.Another two wagons contained gas cylinders.She also confirmed that TransNamib would reimburse the clients for goods not delivered.Concerned citizens pointed out the environmental impact of such a move and the contamination that may result.Kanyemba said, however, that the cement that had spilled from torn bags would be “cleaned up” and not bulldozed into the ground.She added that a truck was on its way from Windhoek to the accident site to pick up the undamaged bags.She could not say what percentage of the cargo had been salvaged, as the clean-up operation was continuing.She confirmed that four of the derailed wagons were carrying 880 bags of cement each.Another two wagons contained gas cylinders.She also confirmed that TransNamib would reimburse the clients for goods not delivered.