According to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), progress is being made in the restoration of the central line, with the aim of resuming train services between Nyanga and Philippi by the end of May.
Also read: Efforts by SANParks underway to help clean washed up seal
During a community meeting in Mitchells Plain on Friday, 10 May, Prasa officials reported that extensive discussions with the Philippi community have facilitated the removal of numerous illegal occupants along the central line, enabling efforts to restore train services. The next phase involves extending the recovery efforts to Mitchells Plain.
The area, particularly affected by encroachment, saw Prasa negotiating the clearance of a 10-meter strip from the line. However, Prasa only requires an 8-meter clearance to resume operations. The initial phase of the recovery plan focused on relocating individuals in Langa.
They have recently negotiated with occupants to relinquish one section of the line. In Philippi, individuals have been relocated to another Prasa-owned plot near Stock Road. A total of 884 residents from ward 34 in Philippi have been moved to the Stock Road area in ward 88.
However, this relocation is temporary, as the land is currently not designated for human habitation. An application has been submitted to rezone the area. There are still occupants in Langa awaiting relocation to a proposed site in the Philippi Wedge in ward 43.
The relocation to Stock Road is expected to last for two years, while Prasa seeks land for a permanent relocation of all illegal occupants.
Prasa notes that the majority of illegal occupants along the central train line are from the Eastern Cape.
Despite reports and confusion surrounding the Ward 43 Wedge in Philippi or Macassar, no land has been secured thus far.
Also read:
Women for Change take their skills to the wall with GBV mural
Picture: @PRASA_Group / X