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Transnet says communities are invading some of its land and even setting up shacks on rail tracks around the Durban-Gauteng Corridor.
The state-owned rail operator hosted a trip for the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government on Friday.
The company said during that trip; it observed that an increasing number of communities were encroaching land under its control, particularly around Durban, Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding areas.
Transnet said this invasion, together with continuing vandalism of its infrastructure, significantly limits the Durban-Gauteng Corridor from performing at its full capacity.
Apart from the N3 national route, the corridor is the only other main route linking the Durban port to Gauteng, and Transnet wants to improve its capacity as part of its road-to-rail initiative.
“The Durban-Gauteng corridor is strategically placed to benefit from high volumes, particularly from container traffic. These operational constraints remain a bottleneck towards our ability to achieve growth along this corridor, which would have a beneficial impact on communities along this line and on the provincial and national economy,” said the CEO of Transnet Freight Rail, Siza Mzimela.
Transnet Group CEO Portia Derby said Transnet needs to protect the integrity of its infrastructure to enable rail transport to reclaim its position as a significant freight mover.
KwaZulu Natal premier Sihle Zikalala promised that the provincial government will work with other organs of state to find a solution that will ensure the corridor is not further compromised.
“The encroachment of illegal informal settlements on the tracks and rail reserve, which has been exacerbated by the wanton destruction, theft and vandalism of infrastructure, must be urgently addressed,” said Vilakazi.- Fin 24.
Online Reporter