New security plan to curb theft, vandalism of rail infrastructure
Theft and vandalism accounted for 88 per cent of all security-related incidents in 2018/19.
TRANSPORT Minister Fikile Mbalula says a recently unveiled multifaceted security plan, anchored on insourcing capacity, will make an invaluable contribution to the fight against theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure.
Mbalula on Tuesday participated in a debate in the National Assembly, which focused on the impact that the ongoing damage to public rail infrastructure has on the economic lives of the most vulnerable and poor commuters.
Security-related incidents in the rail environment increased by 20 per cent between 2017/18 and 2018/19 from 7 737 to 9 268.
Related story: R900 million to combat rail theft, vandalism
Since 2012/13, security related incidents per million train kilometres increased by 175 per cent per million train kilometres.
Theft and vandalism accounted for 88 per cent of all security-related incidents in 2018/19.
“In addressing the pressing challenges that impact on the livelihoods of the poor, who rely on the rail system for their mobility needs, we have sought to secure the passenger rail environment by bolstering passenger security. The previous security arrangement was based on a 100 per cent outsourcing model and placed reliance on private security firms. Notwithstanding the huge cost, that intervention was clearly not realising the desired outcomes,” Mbalula said.
A new security plan was recently unveiled and this plan is premised on developing the requisite internal capability and capacity to mitigate and combat theft and vandalism of the rail infrastructure.
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