Mbekweni is home to thousands of residents, including those living in Neder Park, bordering Drommedaris Street, as well as two railway lines that transport a number of commuters.
But, according to local ANC councillor Ludia Sambokwe, only one of the two railway lines, managed by Transnet, is operational, due to vandalism.
Paarl Post visited Neder Park, situated in Ward 16, a low-income community where some households lack basic infrastructure such as electricity.
However, the area does have running water and sanitation facilities. During the visit, the newspaper observed the informal settlement almost hugging the railway line.
Sambokwe explained that residents of Neder Park and surrounding areas may vandalise the operational railway line to use the materials for their homes or to sell.
According to a spokesperson for Transnet, one of the two railway lines in the whole Mbekweni area has been out of service for approximately four years due to extensive infrastructure vandalism and the theft of critical components, including overhead cables, signalling equipment and tracks.
The cost of restoring the line is substantial and requires a coordinated investment strategy, currently under review as part of broader network recovery plans, the spokesperson added. No immediate plans of restoring the vandalised railway line was planned by Transnet.
Transnet acknowledged the frustration this has caused local residents and businesses, adding that the restoration of vandalised infrastructure must be undertaken in a sustainable and secure manner to prevent disruptions recurring soon after repairs are completed.
“Security remains a serious challenge, not only in Mbekweni, but across many parts of the national freight rail network. We are working in close collaboration with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), local law enforcement and private security contractors in high-risk areas. In some regions additional security has been deployed, including drone surveillance, fencing, and patrol units.”
The presence of informal settlements on or near railway servitudes further complicates maintenance and restoration efforts and engagement with Drakenstein Municipality is ongoing to address these challenges. Any relocation or re-zoning of settlements will be undertaken with full legal and humanitarian consideration, the spokesperson relayed.
This article has been amended since its original publication. Mary Papayya, formerly a member of Transnet’s media team, was incorrectly attributed in this article. The feedback was, in fact, provided by Transnet Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) Media, not by Papayya. Paarl Post sincerely apologises for the error.
