Vandalism and arson leave Metrorail with R70m bill for damages

Metrorail is counting the cost of damage to its trains and infrastructure in the Western Cape following days of mayhem that disrupted train services.

By Bekezela Phakathi

20 Apr 2016

Nkansahrexford via Wikimedia Commons

Rail is the backbone of public transport in Cape Town and the disruptions have affected thousands of commuters who have had to resort to other modes of transport at extra cost.

Losses

Metrorail spokeswoman Riana Scott said yesterday the cost of the losses so far this year as a result of the vandalism and arson was about R70m. Last year, losses amounted to R128m.

"The loss of capacity to date equals the loss of 35 carriages in 2014, 25 in 2015 and 17 to date in 2016," said Scott.

The company would resume normal train schedules as soon as the damaged infrastructure had been repaired within the next few days, she said. But, it would take six to 12 months before the burnt or damaged carriages could be returned to service.

Keeping an eye on vandals

Metrorail said the police, Metrorail Protection Services and other law-enforcement officials were on high alert to monitor the situation and to prevent any further attacks on infrastructure and railway carriages.

The South African Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) has dismissed allegations it orchestrated the recent incidents of train vandalism.

The union is in a standoff with Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) management after its planned strike was interdicted earlier this month, a day before its members were to down tools. The union alleges that Prasa obtained the interdict without following proper procedures. It has bemoaned the "poor management" of Prasa and the "blatant exploitation of workers", and is demanding an end to outsourcing at the rail agency.

Source: Business Day

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