The Public Rail Agency of South Africa’s newly-launched Central Line Recovery Plan will ensure a safe, functioning train service for Western Cape residents.
This, according to MEC for Transport in the province, Bonginkosi Madikizela who launched the project in collaboration with PRASA and the national Department of Transport on Friday.
Madikizela says the train-service, which connects the Cape Town station with Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain, has been out of service since November 2019, due to unprecedented theft and vandalism of signaling and electrical infrastructure.
The overhead lines between Bonteheuwel and Nyanga, Philippi – Stock Road, Khayelitsha – Chris Hani and Philippi – Mitchells Plain stations have been stripped and stolen. This means about 220 000 train commuters have been left stranded and force to use alternative transport.
PRASA says that over the next six months, they will deal with infrastructure rehabilitation which includes building 4 metre high concrete walls to protect infrastructure and demarcate the rail reserve; install security cameras and security technology to assist with crime prevention and response; permanent way rehabilitation to improve condition and remove speed restrictions; restore and or rebuild sub-stations that have been damaged by vandalism; replace overhead electrical lines and complete modern re-signaling project.
We have a plan – we will implement!! pic.twitter.com/3Ebz7ZmjQl
— FIKILE MBALULA | MR FIX (@MbalulaFikile) March 5, 2020
A PLAN, with timelines, in implementation already.
GETTING THE CENTRAL LINE BACK ON TRACK #FixingPrasa pic.twitter.com/kdufeUn2sJ
— FIKILE MBALULA | MR FIX (@MbalulaFikile) March 5, 2020
Communities must work with PRASA to ensure the improvements are implemented successfully. During the period of closure, electricity in the area will be live. Communities must take care and ensure that children and animals are kept clear of the tracks… https://t.co/iXd62zCBMC pic.twitter.com/PQW6y6jpqA
— FIKILE MBALULA | MR FIX (@MbalulaFikile) March 5, 2020
