Question NW1966 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
19 July 2023 - NW1966
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) With reference to a letter to Transnet customers dated 16 May 2023, in which Transnet indicates that there were a number of import and export trains that were not departing from the point of origin due to network availability, necessitating a decision by Transnet to suspend the loading of containers in Durban and in the Reef, (a) what are the full relevant details of the causes of the delays and (b) what steps has he taken to resolve the crisis. (2) (a) how long does he envisage that the delays will take and (b) what is the impact of the delays on the economy? NW2217E
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
(1)(a) The reason for the reduced capacity for the period of 8 – 21 May 2023 (two weeks) was the increase in theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure which reduced TFR’s operational capacity. The frequency and scale of theft increased beyond previous levels. We experienced back-to-back incidents, not allowing adequate time for repair and resumption of the train service. Longer spans were stolen, thus increasing the Mean Time-to-Repair (MTTR).[1] For three consecutive days, every 6 – 8hrs an incident occurred. Ten (10) spans stolen requires more time to replace than two (2) spans.
Further, the heavy rains in Durban and surrounding resulted in sand washing over the railway lines which required inspection and clearance before the opening of the line and the resumption of the rail service. Typically, TFR would have on average between 6 – 10 trains staged across the corridor; however, between 6 - 21 May 2023, the average number was between 27 – 33 staged trains.
(1)(b) TFR’s Security and Forensics department continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies to reduce theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure. The process of implementing additional security interventions within TFR has commenced and resulted in a reduction in incidents. TFR has undertaken several actions to improve operational efficiencies by implementing performance-based contracts with specialised security service providers, including the use of technology and improved business intelligence and information management.
In addition, TFR will ensure continued implementation and exploration of alternative funding models for rolling out additional security technology to protect committed volumes, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders, as part of its security improvement rollout plan.
(2)(a) The line was operational from Monday 22 May 2023, where TFR focused on clearing staged trains to deliver consignments to customers and decongest the system. The line was operational at 50% capacity, indicating that the system had stabilized, with seven (7) trains staged along the line. Operational recovery can take up to three (3) days, dependant on the scale of the disruption. In this case, on the 27th of May 2023, we reduced the staged trains from 28 to 8.
(2)(b) The impact on the economy has been not quantified. However, given that the Container Corridor transports time-sensitive cargo (Containers, Automotive and Fuel makeup 90% of the volumes moved on the Corridor), delays of this scale have a significant impact on supply chain services across the corridor.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date:
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As a safety precaution, repair teams are required to sufficient rest to mitigate the risk of fatigue. ↑