Gibela on track to build 600 trains

Duduza – Gauteng premier David Makhura has called on Gibela Train Consortium to build trains that will transport people and not to be displayed for photoshoot purposes.

“These trains are not meant to be placed on display for the gallery and photoshoot purposes but to reach commuters. Let’s get these trains transporting people.”

He was speaking during his visit to the train manufacturing plant in Dunnottar last Wednesday. To date, 55 trains have been manufactured, 37 of which have been built locally.

Gibela received an R51-billion contract with the South African government to manufacture 600 trains for the Prasa in 2013.

The scope of the contract includes train maintenance, technical support and the manufacture and supply of spare parts.

In the long run, these new trains will, upon completion, replace the old Prasa trains.

Makhura said these trains will restore the dignity of people.

“It is important for us to rebuild the public transport system. With these new state-of-the-art trains, we will be able to achieve that. “The trains are fitted with Wi-Fi connectivity and safety measures that will ensure the doors are locked when they are in motion and comfortable.

“Commuters no longer have to wake up in the early hours of the morning to catch the train to work and arrive home late because the trains regularly get stuck.

“These new trains travel at a high speed, ensuring commuters reach their destinations on time,” he said.

Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina is proud that the City of Ekurhuleni has been trusted with the responsibility of building these new trains.

“We have always been an industrial and manufacturing hub in the country but, most importantly, this project will open doors by creating 10 000 jobs.

“This project will stimulate development in the metro. We didn’t only donate the land for the project, Gibela is also contributing to the development of this metro by paying rates and training the youth,” he said.