Full steam for Bloem to Maseru train
FREE State MEC for roads and transport Butana Khompela has unveiled plans to introduce a mainline train between Bloemfontein and Maseru, in neighbouring Lesotho.
ON THE MOVE: Butana Komphela, the MEC of roads and transport in Free State at a press briefing in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. Komphela unveiled plans to build a railway line between Bloemfontein and Maseru in Lesotho that would travel via Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo, Ladybrand, Ficksburg and other areas. He said the train would be a positive step towards reducing congestion currently experienced along the N8, as well as road fatalities. Addressing the media in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, Komphela said there was currently no such service.
"Introducing a train that would travel between Bloemfontein and Lesotho, via Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo, Ladybrand, Ficksburg and other areas will definitely reduce the congestion that is currently experienced in the N8 route," he said.
There is no railway line within Lesotho, but the South African railway line to Bloemfontein and Bohlokong (freight only) runs along the northwestern Lesotho border, with a stop in Ficksburg .
Komphela said the train was also expected to travel between Kimberley in Northern Cape and Maseru.
He said they were talking to all the stakeholders concerned, including Transnet.
Komphela said he was not pleased with the number of fatalities r ecorded in Free State during the festive season period.
Free State had 98 fatalities last year and 95 in 2010.
Komphela blamed reckless driving as one of the main causes.
"Since December we have removed about four Road Link buses on our roads. Those buses were in a shocking state.
"Those buses are moving coffins and we do not want them on our roads unless they have been checked by our testing team," he added.
The general-secretary of the SA National Taxi Council, Phillip Taaibosch, said they would work with the Free State department of transport to reduce the number of accidents in the province.
He said most road deaths occurred because of negligent drivers and unroadworthy vehicles.
He urged all road users to adhere to traffic rules and drive safely.
Taaibosch said it was time all South Africans became more vigilant about road safety.
MorenaWaPolelo
Good thinking is always nice to have world class infrastructure especialy for the economy the rail line will do well for Job creation and help people feed their families and maybe bring life to the province. I wonder who is going to win the tender!!!!!!!!Report Abuse
dimpho_4U
ag its just a plan,a thought..these BEE,ANC comrades like to shine with words,..when it comes to putting a plan together they blander,lets wait and see..corrupt catsReport Abuse