Dipuo Peters to visit Mamelodi for transport imbizo
Transport Minister Dipuo Peters, together with the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) board, will host a commuter imbizo programme on the outskirts of the Piernaarspoort train station in Mamelodi, Pretoria, on Sunday.
"The programme follows the minister’s visit to the Pienaarspoort train station two weeks ago to engage with rail commuters on their day-to-day experience on Metrorail. The minister also assessed and monitored the conditions of the services rendered to the commuters," the transport department said in a statement.
Peters had agreed with commuters that she would return to the area to discuss the station modernisation programme and fleet renewal programme in the Tshwane rail corridor.
As part of its modernisation programme, Prasa had closed the line between Pretoria Station and Walker Station from April 30 until September 15. This was so that new track slabs could be installed, the track formation of the rail lines upgraded, a proper drainage system installed, and the overhead electricity lines and mast foundations refurbished, the department said.
The value of the contract was about R121 million. Another 10 stations between Pretoria and Pienaarspoort would also be upgraded.
Prasa had already started the process of building the train manufacturing and components plant for the new trains at a cost of R1 billion in Dunnotar in Ekurhuleni.
"Only 20 trains will be imported from Brazil with the remaining 580 to be manufactured and maintained in South Africa as part of localisation.
"South Africa will see approximately 1500 people permanently employed at the new plant while an anticipated 19,500 people will receive rail-related training at the plant, allowing them to find work within the rail industry, with R800 million dedicated towards skills development," the department said.