Parliament, Saturday, 26 November 2022 – Residents of Mpumalanga’s Ehlanzeni District who attended the public hearings on the Railway Safety Bill yesterday that were conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Transport in Nkomazi Local Municipality have submitted a proposal for the reinstatement of the long distance train service between the province and Gauteng.
The majority of the residents said bringing back the train service will reduce the number of cars and trucks on the N4 road which connects Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Maputo, and also reduce accidents on the road.
The residents said the train was a safer and cheaper mode of transport compared to road transport and their use will also boost the economy of the province. A concern was raised that the absence of train service in Mpumalanga meant that the province was left behind in terms of economic development compared to other provinces.
The committee also heard about an unprotected railway line which passes through people’s houses in KaHhoyi village, posing danger to people, livestock and property in the area. An appeal was made for Transnet to erect a barricade to prevent children and animals from being hit by trains when crossing the railway line.
The committee is conducting public hearings in Mpumalanga during this weekend to solicit citizens’ views on the draft legislation which seeks to improve safety regulations within the railway environment, and also to ensure that trains become an attractive mode of transport that contributes towards economic growth.
The Acting Chairperson of the committee, Mr Lisa Mangcu, said: “This Railway Safety Bill before us seeks to improve the regulatory framework around rail safety in our country for both goods and passengers, it also wants to provide guidance and clarity on governance of the rail safety regulator and provide answers to some concerns raised by rail operators,”
“Public participation is a constitutional imperative for Parliament and we hope the people’s inputs will help make this draft legislation a better Bill,”
The committee will continue today with public hearings on the Bill in Emakhazeni Local Municipality in Nkangala District.
Details of the public hearings:
Date: 26 November (Saturday)
Time: 13:00
Venue: Paul Nkosi Community Hall – Waterval Boven.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, MR LISA MANGCU.
For media enquiries or interviews with the leader of the Committee Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Sakhile Mokoena
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 705 2130
E-mail: smokoena@parliament.gov.za
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