Committee updated on Level 3 Lockdown strategies for Metrorail in Gauteng
Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Roads and Transport was recently briefed by the Administrator of PRASA on measures in place, as the country moves to Alert level 3 of sub regulations of the lockdown. This is in line with the Committee’s oversight mandate on the Department of Roads and Transport in Gauteng to ensure the provision of social protection and statutory services to safeguard the wellbeing of commuters in Gauteng.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction to the measures presented by PRASA for level 3. As the bulk of working-class citizens go back to work, trains are expected to be operational effective I June 2020. However, plans presented by PRASA are short of a Gauteng province integrated system and could lead to a public transport disaster during level 3.
In the presentation, it has emerged that PRASA/Metrorail will only have one line in operation in the Gauteng province. This move only addresses the north Gauteng commuters and living out all other regions in the province.
Issues of safety, security and screening measures presented by the Administrator of PRASA were not reassuring to the committee. Some of the doubts was prompted by the fact that PRASA has no indication on average figures of their daily commuters. Therefore, making PRASA’s mitigation plans feeble as they are not informed on any context including that of daily commuters.
“As the Committee, we understand that PRASA is under administration. We are also aware of the immense challenges faced by the institution prior to even the lockdown. However, our responsibility as the committee is to ensure that all public transport in the province is ready to provide service by ensuring there is effective measures in place for the safe travel of commuters. Unfortunately, PRASA has not been convincing in their plans that they are ready to rise to the occasion. The committee is expecting a revised presentation that is tangible, informed and reassuring that PRASA is ready to deal with the COVID19 pandemic in trains”, expressed Dumisani Dakile, Chairperson of the Roads and Transport Committee.
The Committee requested the MEC on Roads and Transport, Jacob Mamabolo to convene an urgent meeting with all modes of transport institutions including PRASA to consolidate all public transport plans to be an integrated plan ensuring effective transport in the province during level 3 of lockdown.
The meeting is scheduled to take place in this week and the Committee is expecting feedback by the end of the week on the outcome of the meeting.
For more information or interview queries, please contact: Thabisile Nzuke on 082 619 4411 email: TNzuke@gpl.gov.za
