Engineering News reports that the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to revive SA’s passenger rail network, which has been left crippled by crime and vandalism over the last few years.
CEO Zolani Matthews addressed delegates virtually during the 2021 Southern African Transport Conference on 5 July. He expressed confidence that key rail corridors could be secured by partnering with all rail stakeholders, namely commuters, communities and businesses. Matthews outlined an eight-point plan for Prasa subsidiary Metrorail to address criminal activity and minimise disruptions to commuter services. An innovative part of the plan involves forming cooperatives with communities along rail corridors to provide cleaning services at stations. Communities will be empowered with training and business management skills by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. “We have already seen that the stations where workers are located helps to provide protection from vandalism and theft,” said Matthews. He added that these stations consistently adhered to cleanliness standards and provided employment for youth and women, creating inclusive growth and participation in the economy. This created a sense of ownership and pride for communities. Matthews advised that renewal initiatives would prioritise ten urban rail corridors in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape for major rehabilitation and recovery.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News
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