Athlone station fire: No visible progress from Prasa

Dear Gqeberha

Yesterday’s fire at the Athlone train station is another indictment of Prasa’s inability to ensure safe and capable rail infrastructure in the Western Cape. Thankfully no lives were lost and the station still stands, however the situation could easily have been avoided if national government delivered on its promises to secure our stations and railways.

The fire was allegedly started by one of the vagrants who shared the ticket office with other destitute residents. Whilst the swift response by the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services meant that the fire was extinguished and that the station was not lost, a female who lived in the office suffered from smoke inhalation as a result.

MPP Mackenzie says: “This recent incident adds to the increased concerns regarding the integrity of rail infrastructure, particularly that for which national government is responsible in Cape Town. It further shows that Prasa has been unable to assist in the relocation of vagrants and dwellers which inhibit the proper functioning of train services. Right now, there are still around 7,844 dwellings on the Central Line and that number is likely to climb if urgent action is not taken.

Moreover, apart from the occupation issue, many commuters who make use of these services risk having their lives threatened on a daily basis. In the briefing to the Standing Committee on 22 June, Prasa outlined security interventions which accounted for visibility and presence, partnerships with other governmental bodies, as well as reactive and proactive capabilities.

Some of these plans include armed response, CCTV camera installations and a 4-metre walling project along the railway lines. But to date, no progress has been made in this regard. As such, I will be submitting parliamentary questions to enquire about the progress being made regarding security at Prasa’s properties and the current state of rail security management in the province.”

The DA in the Western Cape calls on the national government to expedite its efforts to resolve this issue. We can no longer afford to have an ineffective public transport system, considering the physical and emotional stresses commuters already face with the ongoing taxi violence in the province. If there is no safety, any efforts to revive train services will be virtually impossible.

Regards

Ricardo Mackenzie, MPP
DA Western Cape Committee Spokesperson on Transport and Public Works

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