DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.1410
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 07 May 2010
Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
(1)Whether she will phase out the use of the railway track between
Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit which cuts across the Balule Nature Reserve; if
not, why not; if so, when;
(2)(a) How many animals were killed by this train in the past two years and
(b) why is Transnet using such a noisy locomotive on this railway track?
NW1649E
REPLY
(1) There is no intention to phase out the railway line between Phalaborwa
and Hoedspruit as it is one of the strategic growth lines for Transnet
Freight Rail. Moreover, the line is vital for the transportation of major
export commodities such as magnetite and rock phosphate from Phalaborwa to
Richards Bay. It therefore provides a critical service to the mining town
of Phalaborwa.
(2)(a) In 2008, seven animals were killed and the number decreased to five
in 2009. Measures such as the reduction of train speed along the line and
the clearing of grazing areas for animals were introduced to effectively
deal with such incidents.
(b) The new generation locomotives operating on this line are now running
at lower noise levels.