Transport and Public Works
With regard to the non-operational line between Wellington and Kraaifontein due to vandalism to the TFR overhead lines:
- Whether there is engagement from his Department’s side with Prasa to establish when the lines will be fixed and the service restored; if so, what are the relevant details;
- whether his Department has been informed of the expected timeline for the repairs of the overhead lines between Wellington and Worcester and when the Worcester service will resume; if so, what are the relevant details?
(1) & (2) Metrorail and Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) were requested to provide information and at the time of writing, only TFR had responded.
The Monte Vista, Wellington, and Malmesbury lines which serve important freight and intercity services are owned by TFR, and Metrorail’s commuter services share these tracks with Transnet.
TFR have reported that vandalism and theft of the Overhead Traction Equipment (OHTE) are rampant along these sections of track, and incidents of cable theft, are reported daily. At present, 10km of cable have been reported stolen between Wellington and Salbar. The current estimate for the resumption of service is two months. The time estimate for the required repair works is directly dependant on the rate of vandalism and theft, i.e. should more theft occur in the two-month period, it would further delay the works.
At present the Northern Line utilises the Monte Vista route via Bellville to Kraaifontein, with a limited shuttle service between Kraaifontein and Wellington.
