Vintage train rides cancelled due to R1.5 million flood damage
As a result all rides on the vintage train have been cancelled until further notice.
THE Umgeni Steam Railway is in need of R1.5m to repair the tracks damaged by the heavy rains and floods experienced last month.
The tracks between Kloof and Inchanga were severely damaged and according to Ashley Peter, the chairman of the Umgeni Steam Railway, this could increase once the full extent of the damage on some of the track is determined.
“The total cost of flood repairs is estimated at about R1.5 million, but this could increase once the full extent of the damage on some of the track is determined,” he said.
The railway used to operate on the last weekend of each month, as well as on selected holidays. However, due to the devastation the train will be stationary for approximately four to six months.
“We run vintage passenger trains between Kloof and Inchanga for the public, which is virtually our only source of income to fund the operation,” said Peter.
“We will not be able to run any passenger trains until all of the major and most of the moderate damage areas have been completed. This means that whilst the necessary repairs are undertaken, our fixed monthly costs, which average about R100 000 a month, will also have to be covered without any income derived from running heritage passenger trains for the next four to six months.”
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According to Peter, there are more than 30 different points of damage. Contractors have to set up tents in Inchanga to be able to work around the clock so that train lines can be restored as soon as possible.
He added that the track has been severely damaged by the recent floods, with at least five major landslides which have either washed embankments out from under the track, or caused banks to collapse onto the track.
Apart from this, there are at least another 20 slightly less serious incidents which will also require attention before trains can run, with a further ten minor problem areas which need medium-term resolution but will not prevent trains from running in the meantime.
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Repairs to some of the most critical problem areas have begun, but due to limited resources, they may take four to six months to complete. The Umgeni Steam Railway, on the other hand, is seeking financial and material support, which may potentially cut the restoration period in half.
Visit www.umgenisteamrailway.com for more information.
Alternatively, if you are able to assist ,contact Marc Bouchier at 083 252 2912.
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