Question NW719 to the Minister of Transport
22 May 2020 - NW719
Van Minnen, Ms BM to ask the Minister of Transport
(1) Whether in light of five AFRO4000 locomotives that were sold on auction as they were not deemed suitable to run on the Republic’s rail network, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) is in talks to purchase more AFRO4000 locomotives from Stadler Rail; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, who are the parties to the negotiations; (2) in view of the fact that Prasa is under administration and his department announced that negotiations would be complete within two weeks from 10 March 2020, what role is his department playing in the negotiations; (3) (a) what steps will Prasa take to protect the money paid to Swifambo Rail Leasing that is currently facing liquidation proceedings in the High Court, (b) are the negotiations for the locomotives related to these proceedings and (c) does it pertain to the remainder of the locomotives that have not yet been delivered; (4) (a) what is the role of the specified company in the negotiations and (b) does this matter relate to the declaratory order sought by the company to avoid a claim of R2,6 billion from Prasa?
Reply:
PRASA has commenced exploratory talks under the guidance of the Department of Transport with the Liquidators of Swifambo contract as well as Stadler Rail the Company that acquired Vossloh Espana. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the discussions have been suspended will resume at a later stage. PRASA is looking at the best deal on this contract and what will be resolved will certainly protect the interest of PRASA.