Question NW1847 to the Minister of Transport
26 October 2020 - NW1847
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a) is the extent of the damage done to the rail network in Cape Town, (b) will be the total cost to his department to fix the damages and restore rail operations in Cape Town and (c) steps, besides building fences and employing security guards, have been taken by his department to prevent vandalism to infrastructure in future?
Reply:
a) The Damage to the Cape Town Rail Network Infrastructure is currently at a point where electric trains cannot run in some of the corridors. The following corridors in particular are extremely impacted by acts of sabotage and criminality:
- Langa –Bonteheuwel-Sarepta-Bellville,
- Bonteheuwel – Kaptensklip, and
- Bonteheuwel –Chris Hani.
b) The total cost to repair and upgrade the affected corridor is in excess of R1.8billion
c) PRASA will be putting the following measures in place to complement the security solution:
- Installation of motion detectors and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance to be monitored by security,
- Replacing the conventional Overhead Traction Equipment (OHTE) Copper Catenary with a Tiger Wire(Aluminum),
- The conventional Train Detection Equipment (Track Circuits) will be replaced by New Train Detection Technology (Axle Counter) which mainly uses Optic Fibre for Data Transmission,
- Replacement of Telecoms Copper Coax Cables with Optic Fiber,
- Installation of Reinforced Concrete Steel on Track Side Equipment,
- Closing Underground Cable Trenches with Concrete, and
- Installation of Vandal proof Covers on Points Machines.