The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape describes the fire which broke out at the Athlone train station on Monday, July 19, as another indictment of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) inability to ensure safe and capable rail infrastructure in the province.
The fire was allegedly started by one of the vagrants who shared the ticket office with other destitute residents, however, it was extinguished by the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services before it could reach other parts of the station. As reported, a female who lived in the office suffered from smoke inhalation as a result.
Fire at Athlone Station
Video : supplied pic.twitter.com/KUgTXYFg7a— BYROooooooooooooooooN?️? (@lukas_byron) July 19, 2021
DA spokesperson on Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape, Ricardo Mackenzie, indicated that the recent incident adds to the increased concerns regarding the integrity of rail infrastructure, particularly that for which the national government is responsible for in Cape Town.
” It further shows that Prasa has been unable to assist in the relocation of vagrants and dwellers which inhibit the proper functioning of train services. Right now, there are still around 7,844 dwellings on the Central Line and that number is likely to climb if urgent action is not taken,” Mackenzie said.
Mackenzie added, that in a briefing to the Standing Committee in June, Prasa outlined security interventions that accounted for visibility and presence, partnerships with other governmental bodies, as well as reactive and proactive capabilities
“Some of these plans include armed response, CCTV camera installations and a 4-metre walling project along the railway lines. But to date, no progress has been made in this regard. As such, I will be submitting parliamentary questions to enquire about the progress being made regarding security at Prasa’s properties and the current state of rail security management in the province,” Mackenzie reiterated.
Meanwhile, the DA calls on the national government to expedite its efforts to resolve this issue, as they can no longer afford to have an ineffective public transport system, considering the physical and emotional stresses commuters already face with the ongoing taxi violence in the province.
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Picture: Cae {town} etc gallery