This follows weekend media reports that locomotives procured by Prasa from Spanish manufacturer Vossloh Espana were the incorrect height and could damage the overhead electrical cables on the country’s rail lines.
Prasa has to date received 13 new diesel locomotives, which it procured for its long-distance service, Shosholoza Meyl, at a cost of R600m. It is set to take delivery of seven more, as well as 50 hybrid locomotives in the R3.5bn deal.
This contract is separate from the R51bn contract Prasa awarded to the Gibela empowerment consortium, of which Alstom Southern African Holdings is the largest shareholder, to deliver 600 Alstom trains for Prasa’s commuter rail fleet renewal programme.
