Gautrain route extension is awaiting funding approval before next step
Gautrain route extension is now awaiting funding, though alternative routes have been proposed.
Residents have been wondering where the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) is in the process of its route extension proposal, and what happens next. Indeed, since the Greater Sharonlea Residents Forum met the agency and submitted two alternative routes in October last year, they also have not heard back from the GMA.
Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau, whose ward is most affected by the route extension, has also not heard from the agency in months.
Also read: Gautrain Management Agency confirms receiving route proposals
In short, the GMA is awaiting funding approval and is still involved in public engagements, though none have been scheduled at this time.
GMA’s proposed Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network (GRRIN) project will link new Gautrain stations in Little Falls, Northgate [called Cosmo City Station] and Randburg CBD to the existing Sandton station, where an upgrade is proposed. The route especially goes through Ward 101 (Sharonlea, North Riding and Olivedale) but also through Bryanston, Ferndale, Randburg CBD and Bordeaux, among other Randburg suburbs.
This route extension will be above ground mostly (apart from the underground area of network at Randburg CBD and route under Hurlingham) and should the proposal become reality, residential homes, schools, shopping centres, churches and roads will be affected.
Many residents have spoken against this, as they do not wish to see their homes expropriated with compensation. “It is not just about compensation. “I grew up here and am proud to say I had a hand in forming this community… We poured our hearts into this place.” Matt Boer said of what was once voted Johannesburg’s safest suburb.
Carol Freeman said she would defend her home of three generations, where the ashes of her late husband are buried beside an 90-year-old oak tree in her garden.
Also read: Sharonlea residents vow to fight Gautrain extension
The resident forum’s two alternative routes have far less impact on residential areas though one would be more expensive as it entails tunneling underneath Sharonlea instead of the rail going aboveground, and the second route – which was more favoured by GMA – would require some alterations on Malibongwe Drive but aside from a detour around the suburbs was similar to the original route.
Also read: Sharonlea community proposes alternative routes to Gautrain extension
GMA acting executive manager for reputation Tlago Ramalepa has now said the project is still in the planning phase.
“Following the undertaking and conclusion of the feasibility study of the possible extensions to the Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network (GRRIN) that are proposed to be implemented as a public-private partnership (PPP), Phase 1 of the proposed GRRIN extensions that connects from Marlboro, Sandton, Randburg, Cosmo City, and Little Falls is awaiting the necessary approvals by the provincial executive and the treasury for funding and progressing to the procurement stage,” she said.
This is phase one of four, with the next stage of the project – the preliminary design stage – scheduled for procurement at the beginning of the 2023 financial year and is expected to take three to five years.
“However, as part of its planning function, the GMA is undertaking the process of defining the rail reserve for the future railway line to ensure that the land or rights in land that are required to enable the design, construction, and operation of the GRRIN extensions are secured timely. The route for Phase 1 of the GRRIN extensions was determined by the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport in May last year. Route determination is the first step in the process of defining a rail reserve for a future railway line in Gauteng.
“Although the process of determining the route included the legislated stakeholder consultation process prior to the publication of the route, the GMA commenced with various stakeholder and community engagements in July last year that are intended to provide further information and clarity on the process of the defining provincial rail reserves in the Gauteng.”
No further public engagements have been planned, but Ramalepa encouraged members of the public to email phase1@gautengrapidrail.co.za for more information about these.
Also read: Sharonlea community proposes alternative routes to Gautrain extension
Also read:
Gautrain Management Agency confirms receiving route proposals
Sharonlea community proposes alternative routes to Gautrain extension
The Gautrain extension is necessary and will have economic benefits – GMA
Residents affected by proposed Gautrain route give voice at public meeting
Gautrain route extension will have an environmental impact as well
