MINISTER of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, has called for a ban on the export of scrap metal as the theft and vandalism of critical rail infrastructure sabotages the country’s economy.
Mbalula, who made the comments on Monday said taking this step will make the theft of cables and other metals less lucrative.
“The criminality behind the rampant theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure that has stripped bare our stations and rail network requires extraordinary interventions, that go beyond merely stepping up security.
“We must eliminate this perverse incentive by banning the export of scrap metal and therefore limit the market that aids this criminality. The corporate sector must come to the party and bolster our efforts to deal a decisive blow to this criminality, that is enabled by scrap dealers buying stolen scrap metal,” Mbalula said.
Also Read: Billions set aside for repairs to transport infrastructure in KZN
He added the National Rail Policy is critical for fast tracking the implementation of priority structural reforms in the economy, to support economic recovery.
“The key policy position on the introduction of third-party access on the rail network is one of the key thrusts to drive efficiencies and improve competitiveness. The National Rail Policy will guide the building of the local industry capacity thereby boosting the manufacturing capacity and localisation.
“Government will ensure that industrialisation and the local production of steel and other inputs, rail lines and supplies, and rolling stock is promoted through policies that will require state and private operators to procure all supplies from South African-based manufacturers,” he said.
In KZN, the floods wreaked havoc on several sections of the rail network leading to an estimated cost of more than R2bn.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.
