The Minister of Transport, Ms Dipuo Peters, together with the Prasa Board will be hosting the commuter Imbizo programme in Mamelodi on the outskirts of the Piernaarspoort Train Station on Sunday, the 3rd July 2016.
The programme follows the Minister visit to the Pienaarspoort Train Station two weeks ago to engage with rail commuters on their day-to-day experience on Metro Rail. The Minister also assessed and monitored the conditions of the services rendered to the commuters.
The Minister agreed with the commuters that she will return to the area to discuss the Station Modernisation Programme and Fleet Renewal Programme in Tshwane rail corridor.
As part of its Modernisation Programme, PRASA has closed the line between Pretoria Station and Walker Station from 30 April 2016 till 15 September 2016. This is to install new track slabs, to upgrade track formation of the rail lines, to install a proper drainage system and to refurbish the overhead electricity lines and mast foundations.
The value of the contract is approximately R121 million. An additional ten more stations between Pretoria and Pienaarspoort will also be upgraded.
PRASA has already begun the process of building the train manufacturing and components plant for the new trains at a cost of R1 billion in Dunnotar in Ekurhuleni Gauteng Province.
Only 20 trains will be imported from Brazil with the remaining 580 to be manufactured and maintained in South Africa as part of localisation. South Africa will see approximately 1 500 people permanently employed at the new plant while an anticipated 19 500 people will receive rail-related training at the plant allowing them to find work within the rail industry with R 800 million dedicated towards skills development.
Details are as follows:
Date: Sunday, 03 July 2016
Time: 11:00
Venue: Pienaarspoort Sport Ground: Ward: 100 (Mamelodi East)
Members of the media are invited to attend the event. Members of the media attending the event should contact Motlatsi Lebea on 073 323 9333 or email lebeam@dot.gov.za