Question No 618
Mr M J Ellis Democratic Alliance (DA) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
(1) Whether Transnet will transfer the (a) operation and (b) infrastructure of the narrow gauge railway line to the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Transport and Safety; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether Transnet will rehabilitate any other railway lines in the Eastern Cape where a service no longer operates; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether the railway line between the Northern Cape and the Coega Industrial Development Zone will be upgraded; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)The narrow gauge railway line in the Eastern Cape province forms part of the Transnet branch lines portfolio. The Transnet Board of Directors has mandated, subject to the government's approval, the concession of the branch lines in line with the branch lines strategy. Transnet is in discussions with the national Department of Transport and the Department of Public Enterprises on the implementation of this strategy and a policy announcement will follow in due course.
(2) Closed railway lines in the Eastern Cape province, and anywhere in the Republic of South Africa, form part of the Transnet branch lines portfolio. Transnet does not intend to rehabilitate any other railway lines where a service no longer operates. However, discussions between Transnet and the national Department of Transport on the need for a financial mechanism to revitalise the branch lines including the closed sections are underway.
(3)The railway line between the Northern Cape and the Coega Development Zone is a strategic freight corridor connecting the mineral rich Northern Cape to the Coega IDZ. Feasibility studies to upgrade the railway line in order to meet the anticipated demand from this area were completed in 2008, and the infrastructure projects include the following:
* lengthening of several crossing loops
* addition of new crossing loops
* lengthening of the running lines in the receiving and dispatching yards
* rehabilitation of the second line between Kimberley and De Aar
* upgrading of the substations to increase power supply to the network.
The current infrastructure capacity on the line is deemed adequate for current and medium term demand, therefore investments in the current five year Transnet capital programme focuses on increasing rolling stock for the mix of commodities on the corridor.
The capital investment is however included in Transnet's national infrastructure plan and projects will be initiated in accordance with commercial growth.
Issued by: Department of Public Enterprises
7 August 2009
