KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize has assured commuters that the newly unveiled provincial rail transport strategy will improve conditions in trains. He was speaking during a train ride from Umlazi Station to Durban station early this morning.
“We took this trip in order to have a feel of what commuters are experiencing on a daily basis. The train between KwaMashu and Umlazi carries about 160 000 passengers daily. I fully understand why passengers complained about overcrowding during my interaction with them.”
“Government would like to confirm that something is being done to address the problem. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) will be buying 7 224 coaches at the cost of about R123 billion. This will ensure greater mobility and modernisation of our rail transport.”
“Importantly, our long-term strategy recognises the important role that rail transport, both freight and passenger, should play in the province’s development.”
“The development and upgrade of railway stations such as Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Umlazi and Port Shepstone will cost about R140 million. The total investment by PRASA over the next five years is R5 billion.”
“We are also undertaking the North/South rail corridor modernisation as part of the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network developed with the Province and the City of Ethekwini. The bridge City rail link will cost of R1.2 billion.”
Dr Mkhize further congratulated Metrorail for doing its best to ensure efficient and safe transport for commuters despite challenges. However, Mkhize called on the general members of the public to work with Metrorail and government to protect the rail infrastructure.
“Metrorail is working hard to protect these assets but we continue to hear reports of theft and damage to electrical cables and steel fittings. The cost of repair runs into millions of rands and there are often delays and cancellations of trains which ultimately destroys our economy. Metrorail has reported that in one typical month up to 16 000 minutes are recorded in delays and up to 30 trains are cancelled through these unscrupulous activities.”
Over and above this Metrorail constantly has to deal with drivers who are traumatised and stressed by people who choose to cross over and walk along railway lines. Incidents of injuries and fatalities are a regular occurrence despite the train driver’s attempts to blow his horn to warn of his oncoming train.
Furthermore children who choose to staff ride trains, indulge in train surfing and sit on platforms and rail lines are not only dicing with their own lives but are placing the lives of all of those around them at risk. These practices need to be stopped because of the unnecessary loss of life and permanent disabilities.
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Spokesperson for the Premier
Cell: 082 375 4742
