TransNamib train breaks down … passengers stranded for hours without food or water

MORE than 20 passengers went without food or water for hours after a TransNamib train they were travelling in from Keetmanshoop failed a few kilometres outside Windhoek.

The train departed Keetmanshoop at 19h00 on Thursday and was expected in Windhoek at 07h00 on Friday.

According to the passengers, the train started experiencing problems at Mariental but completely broke down a few kilometres outside Windhoek.

Passengers had to wait from the early hours of Friday until TransNamib dispatched another locomotive to pull the train to Windhoek. By that time some passengers who could not wait had hitchhiked to Windhoek instead, leaving those who could not afford lifts stranded. The relief locomotive arrived at around 10h30 and pulled the train into Windhoek at around 12h00 on the same day.

Farah-Diba Stuurmann said the train conductor did not bother to explain to them what had led to the train coming to a standstill.

“They could have told us what happened but they did not bother. I was supposed to be here for registration at Institute Of Bankers but now the queue will be long and today is the last day of registration. What am I going to do?” asked Stuurmann, adding that she would travel by bus next time.

Another passenger Gerson Wimmeri said this was not the first time this happened and with TransNamib acquiring new locomotives recently, he had expected the train service to improve.

“There was no food or water for us. The toilets are also dirty. Imagine being left in the bushes in the middle of nowhere,” said Wimmeri, who said he had missed his appointment with a doctor.

Hansina Fredericks said she also missed her doctor’s appointment, “Just know, TransNamib, that you have officially lost a customer.”

Anerin Stetzed and Wayne Meyer echoed similar sentiments and demanded a 50% refund.

The TransNamib manager of passenger services George Eiseb apologised to the disgruntled passengers and assured them this would not happen again.

“Out of all the trains today, this was the only one that malfunctioned and it is indeed an improvement on our service. We will write explanation letters for anyone who need them to show their doctors,” said Eiseb.

He said what had occurred was an unfortunate and totally unplanned occurrence.

TransNamib has been in the news for many incidents of passengers enduring thirst and hunger for hours after the locomotive breaks down or malfunctions.