GEORGE NEWS - The tourist season is around the corner, but the railway over the Outeniquas between George and Oudtshoorn where the Power Van used to operate, is still closed. It is unsure whether the line will open in time for the December holiday.
Transnet Freight Rail spokesperson Mike Asefovitz told the George Herald that it is behind schedule in repairing the sleepers that were damaged in last year's fires.
"This is due to failure of equipment required for wooden sleeper replacement. We have a service provider who will supply this. The estimated time of re-opening cannot be established now," he said.
The initial expected completion date of repairs was mid-August. About 4 000 sleepers were damaged.
The closure of the route has had a significant impact on operations of not only the Power Van, but also the Rovos Rail, which usually journeyed from Oudtshoorn to George, from where passengers would travel further in the Garden Route. A freight train also used the line.
Power Van operator Nicol Marais, who has been offering alternative excursions on the line between George and Great Brak River since the closure, said, "It is encouraging that they are at least working on the line, even if it is not open in time for December. It is an asset worth millions that has a much broader impact than just on the Power Van.
"If lost permanently, it will have serious implications for the economy and job creation in the long run, so I am happy that work is being done."
He said cleaning up litter along railways also needs attention.
"We sent people on 8 October on the route to Great Brak to clean up along this line. Transnet simply says they do not have the manpower, but the impression that a littered environment creates is not one we want to send back home with our visitors.
Who is going to take responsibility for this?"
Choo-Tjoe line
Regarding the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe line between George and Knysna, Asefovitz said, "We are hopeful that the concession will be considered and decided by our board of directors before our financial year end."
Read a related article: Renewed hope for railways
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