The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) this week said that it is implementing a phased plan to restore and upgrade additional railway stations in the Western Cape province over the next three years, subject to budget availability.
Prasa currently manages 124 railway stations in the region.
Zinobulali Mihi, head of department, marketing and communication at Prasa, was asked about the agency’s plan to restore or upgrade train stations in the Cape, following a complaint about the lack of maintenance at one of its stations.
Several railway stations in Cape Town, including the Goodwood, De Grendel, Oosterzee, Parow and Avondale stations, are in need of maintenance work.
Mihi responded saying upgrade work at some of these stations, are in the pipeline.
Prasa in the Western Cape can confirm that Parow station is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment, including upgrades to the platforms, station fencing, platform lighting, ablution facilities, pedestrian bridge, ticket office, and waiting shelters, Mihi said. These improvements form part of Prasa’s broader Station Modernisation Programme.
In the surrounding area, Prasa Western Cape, has recently completed refurbishments at the Monte Vista and Century City stations, both of which now meet enhanced safety standards and offer an improved commuter experience, she said.
“Stations such as De Grendel, Avondale and Oosterzee are included in our forward refurbishment plans. In the interim, routine upkeep and maintenance will continue to ensure these stations remain functional and safe.
“All these projects are part of our commitment to improving the commuter experience, restoring dignity to public transport infrastructure and ensuring that stations are safe, accessible and well-maintained.” said Mihi.
The poor conditions of railway stations in Cape Town came under the spotlight this week following a complaint by a local ward councillor regarding the lack of maintenance at the Goodwood station located along Protea, Station and Dellwyn Road in Goodwood.
Cecile Janse van Rensburg, councillor for Ward 27, said the fence along the railway line is being stolen piece by piece.
“As the City of Cape Town adopts the Rail Business Plan, I find it timeous to share the woes of Goodwood residents pertaining to the non-maintenance of Prasa and Metrorail infrastructure in the Goodwood railway station precinct. As councillor for Ward 27 under which Goodwood railway station precinct resides, I am very concerned about the lack of maintenance of the fence.
“Numerous engagements with Prasa and Metrorail have been initiated by Subcouncil 4, in an effort to collaboratively address the apparent lack of maintenance and visible security to safeguard their property. Yet, we witness people crossing the railway tracks daily, risking their lives.
“The non-maintenance of the fencing is in fact evident right along the line as it makes its way along Protea, Station and Dellwyn Road,” Janse van Rensburg said.
In the area of McDonald Street, she said, the fence is completely compromised.
“People of all ages cross the railway line to move between Goodwood and Ruyterwacht. This is very dangerous.”
Janse van Rensburg said Prasa and Metrorail need to come on board in order to fix the problem.
