New route alternative for Swazi Rail Link
Consultants reassess upgrade plans for rail line between Richards Bay and Golela.
TRANSNET Freight Rail is making tracks reassessing the entire railway line upgrade between Richards Bay and Golela on the border of Swaziland.
The whole section was initially planned to be rebuilt to a full 26 ton axle loading capacity.
However, public participants and the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) last year voiced concerns, suggesting that the existing railway rather gets expanded with new cross loops.
The rail alignment will fall within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of uMhlathuze, KwaMbonambi, Mtubatuba, Hlabisa, False Bay, Jozini and Phongola.
It will be part of the massive Swaziland Rail Link project stretching from Davel in Mpumalanga, through Swaziland to the Nsezi rail in Richards Bay, to relieve pressure off the heavy haul Richards Bay Coal Line and the general Eastern Mainline to Maputo.
It will also reduce the need for road transport and minimize damage to roads from heavy vehicles.
According to consultancy Aurecon in its briefing document, project engineers have already investigated the new proposal and determined the alternative would in fact be feasible.
‘Further consultation with stakeholders affected by the new route alignment alternative is being undertaken,’ said Aurecon.
‘A focus group meeting with affected landowners, land occupiers and adjacent landowners as well as the community will be arranged by Transnet.’
Three phases
Owing to the magnitude of the Swazi Rail Link project, it has been divided into three separate work packages – the upgrade of the existing Transnet railway from Davel to Lothair (Mpumalanga); the construction of a new line between Lothair to Sidvokodvo in Swaziland; and finally the upgrade of the existing line between Sidvokodvo and Richards Bay.
Transnet and Swazi Railway predicted the project will create 3 400 construction-related jobs in South Africa and 2 700 in Swaziland.
The long-term employment impact arising from train operations and maintenance was estimated at 500 jobs in SA and 300 in Swaziland.
A Draft Environmental Impact Report will be available for review at the Richards Bay Public Library, Jozini Public Library and Ghost Mountain Inn in Mkuze.
Comments must be submitted before 25 November to noeleen.greyling@aurecongroup.com.
