Toward the end of last year, the train had come to a complete halt when its licence to transport passengers expired. Since then, it has been lying idle to the dismay of many, including Winde.
On a recent trip to Knysna, he surveyed sections of the line and realised just how much work would need to be done to get the Choo-Tjoe back up and running. Nevertheless, Winde is determined to see it happen.
Last year, the provincial government applied to take over the train and the line it runs on. "Although it is a complicated process, this would allow us to put it out to tender and, ultimately, come up with a solution to save it. Regrettably, in late October last year, the minister of public enterprises was replaced, slowing the response from national government," said Winde.
"The transfer of ownership of the train is a priority issue that needs to be addressed quickly if we are to preserve the train as a heritage icon. The longer it lies idle, the harder it will be to get it back on the tracks. "In addition, the Garden Route has gone through a tourist season without one of its major attractions, leaving many hopeful Choo-Tjoers disappointed."
In his newsletter Winde invites readers to email him at finmin@pgwc.gov.za.
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Much work will have to be done to get the railway lines in tip-top shape again.
