WORK has started to repair the Reunion train station in Isipingo after the tracks were washed away by floods in April.
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The Department of Transport has not given a date on when the repairs are set to begin at the Illovo River bridge, which was partially washed away by floods, damaging the railway line. It did, however, release a statement saying repairs will eventually be undertaken on all tracks that were damaged. Reunion falls within the Prospecton industrial basin which bore the worst of the floods.
In Amanzimtoti, the sinkhole that appeared near Adams Road caused some rocks to fall on to the railway tracks below.
“The work to rehabilitate the station is on course and this will happen across all parts where the floods had an impact,” read the statement.
It has been estimated that railway repairs will cost R2.9 billion, while the loss of commuter fare revenue is estimated at R50 million. The stoppage of trains has affected commuters south of Amanzimtoti as they have had to use other more costly modes of transport.
Timothy Blose, who used to commute by train between his home in Ilfracombe and workplace in Amanzimtoti, said it has been difficult to make the adjustment.
“I now spend almost twice on taxi fare than I did on trains. It has been tough. I wish they can fix the bridge soon before the July taxi fare increases kick in,” said Blose.
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