‘Skelms are to blame’
PROBLEM: Illegal wire connections at Nolungile PROBLEM: Illegal wire connections at Nolungile
Metrorail has added one more problem to its list of reasons why trains run late – illegal power connections.
Metrorail says disruptions to its line between Khayelitsha and Cape Town have been caused by a series of illegal connections crossing the railway overhead cables.
The gevaarlike connections were made by residents of the Nolungile informal settlement in Khayelitsha.
On Saturday morning, the illegal connections touched the overheads, shutting down all power to the line, and leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.
Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott says wires running from the informal settlement are being connected to the Metrorail overhead track.
Scott said: “The wires running across Metrorail overhead track equipment resulted in a power failure last week Saturday.”
The blackout resulted in several lines being closed, and operations between Cape Town, Khayelitsha and Nyanga were suspended.
Scott said engineers managed to restore some power, but could only do full repairs once all the illegal connections are taken town.
Scott says the connections are a safety hazard that could result in electrocution and fires.
“The remaining illegal connections prevent Metrorail from completing necessary repairs that will restore full service for the week ahead,” she explained.
Metrorail Western Cape Regional manager Richard Walker said they are working on it.
Walker said: “While Metrorail was sensitive to the plight of the communities, it is also obligated to provide a train service to the residents of Khayelitsha. A meeting is being held with community leaders and other key stakeholders.”
But Ndithini Tyhido, the chairperson of the Khayelitsha Development Forum, says talking about the problem isn’t enough.
“Metrorail needs to create programmes for community participation, educating the people,” Tyhido explains.
“With all the socio-economic problems, people will always be creative and find a way to get resources to their homes, it doesn’t matter if it’s water, electricity or ablution facilities. Metrorail needs to come up with a solution to help inform and educate people about the problem.”