Mitchells Plain rail corridor restoration in final phase

PASSENGER Rail Agency (Prasa) said delays on the completion of the Kapteinsklip station, Mitchells Plain corridor was due to vandalism and other factors but that its rehabilitation was at its final testing and safety clearances stage.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

Commuters have waited nearly six years for the railway corridor in Mitchells Plain to be restored.

Prasa confirmed that Mitchells Plain, Lentegeur and Kapteinsklip stations and railway lines were expected to have been completed by June but that supply-chain challenges, relocation of settlements, vandalism, and the impact of material delivery had seen it have a setback.

Prasa added the total costs aligned with the budget which had been earmarked would be revealed soon.

Prasa’s spokesperson, Zinobulani Mihi explained what caused the delays: “The expected completion date was initially set for June. However, delays were caused primarily by persistent community instability, vandalism, relocation of settlements (long term) and supply-chain challenges, impacting material delivery. These factors have influenced project timelines and costs.

“A full update on budget implications will be communicated through Prasa’s official reporting channels.”