Scopa inspect work done on central line

• Published date: 06 July 2023
• Author: Siyavuya Khaya siyavuya.khaya@acm.co.za
• Publication title: Vukani

They argued that some prominent people who had been identified by the Judicial Commission into State Capture or Zondo commission have failed to ensure that the central line is reopened and yet they used their positions to loot public funds

The banners had faces of people such as former Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula.

The delegation was led by the Scopa chairperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa who first visited Chris Hani, Khayelitsha and Philippi stations.

Among the many reasons why they visited these stations, the delegates said, was to evaluate the progress made by Prasa in ensuring that the central line is going to be opened within its planned time frame.

PRASA regional programme manager, Jaco Cupido said they have already started putting up lines from Khayelitsha to Philippi.

He highlighted that in stations like Philippi their biggest challenge is the relocation of people who are living on the railway tracks.

He said they also have problems with the drainage system at some stations.

In all the stations they have appointed contractors and they have gained some time in terms of their completion time frames.

He said in terms of the stations’ upgrades their main focus at the moment is getting minimal functions up and running, such as electricity and lighting, water and security.

He said community engagements have been ongoing so construction work is not halted.

He said they have also opened doors within the areas where stations are situated so that small companies and residents can benefit from the project.

“In the last two weeks, I have been engaging community stakeholders in ensuring that projects run smoothly.”

He admitted that the project is running behind schedule and said due to various challenges and risk they could not meet the deadlines.

“However, the only current major challenge we have on the central line is at Philippi where we have informal settlements on tracks. If the people in Philippi could be relocated tomorrow the work would continue smoothly. From Chris Hani to Philippi there are no challenges in terms of informal settlements being built on the tracks,” he said.

#UniteBehind Movement coordinator, Zukiswa Vuka said they wanted to hear the plans that Prasa has to recover the infrastructure and how they plan to ensure the safety of commuters.

Ms Vuka said it was shocking that those who created this mess were still sitting in the executive...