According to a recent BBC programme, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – twelfth largest country in the world – covers 2,344,858 km2. Fourth most populated state in Africa, “It has more than 70% of the world’s coltan, used to make vital components of mobile phones, 30% of the planet’s diamond reserves and vast deposits [...]
Archives for News
NEW LOCOS FOR TRANSNET
Since December 2009, Transnet has ordered 143 new diesel-electric locomotives from General Electric SA Technologies (GESAT). This number includes the latest order for 43 of the C30ACi model – the first AC diesel-electric locomotive to be introduced in sub-Saharan Africa. The locos, to be used to haul general freight including coal, are claimed to decrease [...]
OLD COACHES IN LONDON & WASHINGTON DC
South Africans hear repeatedly that Metrorail’s rolling stock is old (35 years is a figure often quoted); that the whole service on the point of collapse if enormous sums are not spent urgently to replace the fleet. Relax: we’re in good company. No less than 300 coaches running on the busy underground lines in Washington [...]
METRORAIL SECURITY STRIKE IN CAPE TOWN
Security personnel contracted to protect Metrorail trains and infrastructure went on strike in the last week of November. Passengers on at least one Khayelitsha train which stalled between stations were assaulted and robbed by thugs from informal settlements along the line.
Service on this section is erratic and prone to lengthy delays. Among other consequences reported [...]
RAIL WILL CUT SA EMISSIONS – ZUMA
Addressing the World Economic Forum Green Partnership Dialogue at COP17 in Durban, South African President Jacob Zuma said his government, through its rail investment programme, is accelerating the moving of freight transport from road to rail. It is part, he explained, of SA’s “New Growth Path”. This is to concentrate on renewable and nuclear energy [...]
WORKERS BLOCK EGYPTIAN TRACKS
Train traffic in Upper Egypt came to a standstill on 14 December when Egyptian National Railways (ENR) maintenance workers blocked lines to support demands for higher better pay.
ENR head Hani Hegab said alternative transport was provided for stranded passengers.
Following Egypt’s revolution a year ago, various groups have blocked rail lines on several occasions, hoping to [...]
CAPE TOWN WANTS TO MANAGE TRAINS
Working in terms of the National Land Transport Act, the South African government is looking at local administrations taking over responsibility for public transport, including the managing of subsidies. A tender for a study on the implications is to be advertised soon.
The city of Cape Town is keen to become involved. Mayoral committee member for [...]
PROPOSED EAST COAST RAILWAY
Department of Transport spokesperson Logan Maistry has told The New Age newspaper that construction of a coastal rail link between Cape Town and Durban is envisaged as starting following feasibility studies. He was quoted saying that such a line would benefit “the hundreds of thousands” of people who journey between the Eastern and Western Cape [...]
TRANSNET: “20 YEARS’ BACKLOG”
During December, public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba was quoted saying that “the challenge facing Transnet is an infrastructure backlog stretching back 20 years.
“Somebody has to pay for this [backlog]”, Gigaba says, in explaining the need for higher tariffs. In the current climate, he says, he doesn’t see finance minister Pravin Gordhan subsidising freight transport costs.
Original [...]
COSATU PROTEST – THOUSANDS, OR 150?
On 5 December, Cosatu Western Cape head Tony Ehrenreich promised “thousands” in the city the following day to protest about poor train service. According to the local press, about 150 people showed up.
Nothing daunted, Business Day claimed on 7 December that “thousands” had indeed participated.
[ As it happens, Cosatu has a case – almost nothing [...]
