Transport and Public Works
With reference to his engagement with the national Minister of Transport:
Whether he raised the issue of the closing of the PRASA War Room by the national government; if so, what will the effect of the disbandment of this War Room be on rail passengers in the province?
The matter was discussed, and I am supportive of the closure of the PRASA War Room, noting that it had not achieved much success since its establishment. That said, the National Minister of Transport and PRASA’s leadership must continue to do everything in their power to address the rail crisis and restore the service.
As part of my engagement with the National Minister of Transport and PRASA, we discussed opportunities for co-operation between us to address the critical rail issues facing the Province. We agreed to work together to secure and restore the Central Line and to provide an interim rail-replacement bus service for those left stranded by the suspension of the Central Line.
Naturally, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the focus of all stakeholders toward ensuring that public transport continues to operate safely during the lockdown. However, we remain in regular communication with the National Minister and PRASA and will resume our cooperative efforts at the earliest opportunity.
