The Gabonese Minister of public works, Jean Pierre Oyiba, concluded an agreement with Société d'exploitation du Transgabonais (SETRAG) to mobilize CFA200 billion to renovate the national railway.

This agreement which is in line with the Strategic Plan Gabon Emergent (PSGE), was signed by Mr. Oyiba, Estelle Ondo, the transport minister and Patrick Claes, SETRAG’s managing director.

The project, which will start in March, aims to improve the service of  about 650-KM railway, leading to a faster transit of wood and manganese towards the port of Owendo. Subsequently, the country which was the world’s leading producer of manganese in 2012, will increase its mining output. The project will also facilitate transport of goods and people.

According to Xinhua, Gabon will provide 30.5%, CFA61 billion ($114.3 million), of the funds required for the construction. The remaining 69.5% will be mobilized by SETRAG.

For the record, renovation works should end in 20121 while the rest is set to end in 2023.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou (intern)