Questions raised about Gautrain extension

The proposed extension of the Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network (GRRIN) has been received with both excitement and concerns among residents of Fourways and Randburg.

The project, which aims to connect the existing Marlboro Station to Soweto through Randburg, Fourways, and Little Falls amongst other areas, has raised questions about potential property damage and job opportunities.

According to Albi Modise, communication and marketing at Gautrain Management Agency, the project will create over 211 000 direct jobs, and spend an estimated R1.6b on skills development, enterprise development, and supplier development in Gauteng.

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However, residents are concerned about the potential impact on their properties, particularly with regards to cracking during construction.

“Latest update is talking about expropriation of properties. They have not said anything bout it going to be without compensation,” said Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau. “My ward is heavily involved, especially in Sharonlea. Unfortunately, they have not taken into consideration the recommendations from the people of Sharonlea. They actually want them to move [the railway] slightly, and to take it underground a little bit earlier. If they would have followed those those recommendations, we wouldn’t have the big issue… It’s a totally wrong design.”

But with Fourways traffic, ward 94 councillor David Foley says: “We definitely need something like this in Fourways, because… Imagine just jumping on the train to pop to the airport, or wherever you wanna go.

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“I think it’s going to put Fourways on the map even more, which means the businesses will thrive in the area. I think Gautrain needs to come out and have some public meetings and just talk to the people about the value it’s going to bring.”

Modise assured that the project team is taking a phased approach, starting with phase 1, and will engage with stakeholders, conducting further studies to assess and mitigate any potential damage to properties.

“The next step in the process of defining the future rail reserve, is the undertaking of the preliminary design process. This provides further detail of how the proposed extension is comprised, in terms of the extent to which it is at grade, on viaducts, or underground. As well as the width of the rail reserve within this 400m corridor, and thus the land or properties that will be impacted.

“This process includes further stakeholder engagement, and public participation will be conducted as part of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, to engage with interested and affected parties. Such an EIA process entails independent specialist studies, including geological and seismic activity, to assess the impact that the project could have on the receiving environment, including existing infrastructure. Mitigation measures are then developed to ensure that the project is managed in a sustainable manner, in line with engineering and construction best practice and principles of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).”

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Modise said the recent call for public comments on the draft route determination report for the Soweto extension and Cosmo City junction rail extensions was an important step in this process. “Meaningful public engagement is crucial for the success of the GRRIN extensions, as well as a functioning democracy.”

Community reacts to Gautrain expansion

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