If the vast platforms of the Roodepoort train station could talk, they could tell a grand tale central to the existence of this community. From the daily commuters earning a living, those taking weekend leisure trips or the heartfelt embraces of those being reunited, the memories made at the station are infinite.
Also read: Ravaged railways approaching point of no return
Already in a sad state of decay, the final nail could have been driven into the coffin of the over 100-year-old station building. On Sunday night, 6 December, a fire tore through the building, gutting the wood and sheet metal roof as well as the ticket office and administrative offices. One of the two brick arches that made up the facade now strikes a lonely figure with the centre spire gone forever.
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Chairman of ICE Community Policing’s Roodepoort branch, Madidimalo Rakabe, made it to the scene before any of the authorities. “I was alerted to the incident around 9pm and spent about 45 minutes there. I’d say the fire engine arrived just after 10pm. It’s a really old building, so it is very sad,” said Madidimalo. He recounted how two engines were present with a total of eight firefighters assisting to extinguish the flames.
Also read: PHOTOS: Little left of Georginia train station after fire guts building
Neither City of Johannesburg Emergency Medical Service, PRASA nor the Rail Safety Regulator have commented on the issue as yet, but such information will be shared when it is forthcoming.
Authorities have announced plans to revitalise the rail network, but should the situation continue to deteriorate, the challenge could become insurmountable.
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