Million-rand train project still on hold

The incomplete multi-million rand Greenview train station project, that was set to change lives of Mamelodi East residents with job opportunities, build the local economy, and improve safety of nearby residents, is still on hold.

Residents claimed they are being kept in the dark about the progress of the R102-million project that was begun in 2011, scheduled for completion in 2015, and officially stopped in October 2018.

Bongani “King” Ramontja of The Soil of African Civic Movement said that the station project has been on hold for years, and someone needs to be held responsible for the delays.

He said, “We want answers about the progress of the station. Year in and year out it’s empty promises.
“By now, the station project should have been finished and created job opportunities for the locals.

“Year in and year out there is no budget to complete the project.”

Ramontja said the project had been abandoned, and criminals then took advantage of the situation and started vandalising the station.

“What’s left at the station is just a shell that needs to be demolished and built from the ground up,” he claimed.

He said the railway station project was meant to lower crime that victimised commuters living in the Phomolong area and Ext 6 by making the long walk in the dark to Mamelodi Gardens or Pienaarspoort stations unnecessary.

“We demand answers about the progress of the project, or we will be forced to march to [the] Prasa offices, and approach the public protector to intervene,” he said.

Last year, Prasa spokesperson Andiswa Makanda said that the stakeholder management team is in constant contact with the councillor, updating him on the project’s progress.

“A supplier has been engaged to prepare designs and documentation to invite contractors to undertake construction work,” said Makanda.

She said Prasa is working with other stakeholders to address the matter, and the project is in the detailed design phase.

“The construction of the project will commence as soon as a contractor has been appointed through an open tender.”

She also said the station lies over two properties belonging to Transnet Freight Rail and Tshwane metro.

Funding for the completion of works will be made available by Prasa to take it to completion.

“The existing structure is in good shape to get equipped with the necessary materials to bring it to completion. At the moment, security teams have been deployed to protect the station building from vandals and other illegal activities,” Makanda said.

A resident from Phomolong, Donald Ngobeni, said the structure had been at a standstill for years, with no sign of resumption.

Ngobeni said, “We are forced to walk distances in the dark to either Pienaarspoort or Mamelodi Gardens train station while the project is on hold.

“We are forced to walk in groups because we fear for our lives.”

He said the government needs to do something, especially with the many unfinished projects in Mamelodi.

Ngobeni continued, “Prasa has no choice but to demolish the whole building and start the project from scratch and this time, they must make sure the project is completed in time, or record time.”

Frans Modipa, who is unemployed, said the station was supposed to give them job opportunities, either part time or permanent.

Rekord reached out to Prasa for comment but none has been received at the time of going to print.

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