Question NW17 to the Minister of Transport
29 February 2024 - NW17
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
Considering that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has, on numerous occasions, failed to deal with and provide answers to the issue of its abandoned buildings, which have over the years become a haven for criminals in the area, what plans does her department have to ensure that the abandoned buildings are secured and cannot be used to endanger those living in areas that surround it?
Reply:
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has no record of what could be deemed abandoned buildings in its property portfolio. Where properties are either unoccupied or not optimally utilised, there are various strategies being applied to either refurbish or prepare such properties for possible development proposals from the open market. This process is ongoing. In cases where properties are earmarked for development, PRASA signs development leases with 3rd party developers for redevelopment as part of the commercialisation strategy to address unoccupied properties.