Here is a
report in the local newspaper which highlights the problems caused by the present government's failings.
BOOYSENS – Another Metrorail train collision that took place yesterday around 18:00 that left over 230 people injured, of which 100 being seriously injured, is of great concern.
Shadow Minister of Transport Manny de Freitas says, “Confidential inside sources inform me that substandard materials and weak internal procedures used to maintain our existing carriages and rail system are to blame for these all too frequent train wrecks.”
De Freitas believes it is irresponsible of Metrorail to side line experienced, qualified and skilled personal and to use nepotistic and corrupt suppliers who use substandard materials instead.
According to de Freitas, “The DA was at the scene last night to witness a community that came together to assist in what is one of the worst disasters to hit Johannesburg South in recent memory.”
The crash which took place on Friday evening, July 17 follows a similar crash in April when a woman was killed as a result of a collision between two trains at the Denver station.
“After requesting an official response from Minister Dipuo Peters I am still waiting for the outcome into the April crash investigation.
“I will in addition be posing official questions to the Minister via Parliamentary processes about last night’s train disaster,” said de Freitas.
He continued to say, “These tragedies cannot be left to continue without answers to questions being posed by myself and the public.”
When Parliament resumes after the constituency period in a week’s time, de Freitas promised he would pose his questions again and call for a debate on these ‘catastrophes’.