Question NW3656 to the Minister of Transport
28 November 2017 - NW3656
Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)(a) By which date are the Gibela-built trains scheduled for delivery and (b) what number of the specified trains will be delivered; (2) whether the trains have been tested; if so, (a) on what date(s) and (b) what problems have been identified; (3) whether the trains can be used; if not, why not; if so, by which date; (4) whether the trains need any modifications for South African conditions; if so, what modifications; (5) in terms of the total number of trains to be delivered by Gibela, (a) is the price fixed to the total number of contracts or fixed to the delivery date and (b) is any hedging in place?
Reply:
1. (a) Delivery has been separated into 2 batches. PRASA accepted the first 18 trains
(manufactured in Brazil) from December 2016 until September 2017. These train-sets are already in operation in the north part of Gauteng
(b) The remaining 582 trains will be delivered from the Local Factory in Dunnottar Park, Ekurhuleni, with the first train expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2018.
2. (a) The trains have been tested in accordance with the acceptance process between
PRASA, Gibela and the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR). The tests ensured that the trains meet PRASA’s specifications, including adherence to the Railway Safety Regulator standards. PRASA conducts tests on all trains before accepting them for operational use. These tests have been conducted in line with the delivery dates. Furthermore, the tests and results were submitted to the RSR before accepting the first train.
(b) There are no technical problems with the trains. The trains meet PRASA’s specification and RSR standards.
3. The trains are currently being used for operations between the Pienaarspoort and Pretoria corridor.
4. The trains have been manufactured specifically for PRASA, that is, they have been manufactured in line with PRASA’s specification and meet South African railway conditions.
5. (a) PRASA has contracted with Gibela for 600 New Trains for a fixed contract value of R59 billion (2014 prices).
(b) Gibela has been responsible for hedging for the duration from FY2014/15 to FY2020/21.