Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says the extent of vandalism at some train stations is due to a lack of security at the stations.
Mbalula was speaking in Mayfair during an oversight visit at vandalised train stations.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) together with the department of transport, have been putting together a recovery plan for the infrastructure.
Mbalula says it is concerning that vandalism has resulted in major disturbances in the running of an efficient train service.
Minister @MbalulaFikile conducts oversight visit at vandalized @PRASA_Group stations this morning. We are reporting live from Mayfair Station @GovernmentZA @metrorailgp p https://t.co/Ggkjt9763D
— Department of Transport (@Dotransport) May 24, 2021
“Rail infrastructure in South Africa has deteriorated over the years, PRASA has recovery plan is in place,” Fikile Mbalula addressed the media this morning.
In order to address some of these challenges faced by PRASA, the funding for PRASA over the medium term is estimated at 27.2% (R57 billion) of the department’s budget.
According to Mbalula, the investment being made in passenger rail is part of the implementation of our overarching Rail to Road strategy which is crucial towards positioning rail as the backbone of our public transport system.
Gauteng Metrorail is currently experiencing an alarming increase in the number of reported cases for infrastructure theft and vandalism ranging from overhead electrical lines, electrical substations as well as vandalism of stations and depot buildings.
WATCH: Engaging the Media on Plans to Recover Damaged and Vandalized PRASA Infrastructure https://t.co/Cl3171cPLz
— |Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) May 24, 2021
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