TRAIN CRASH NEAR GROUTVILLE

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr S’bu Ndebele visited the scene of yesterday’s train crash, which occurred near Groutville and left 22 people dead and 94 injured, this morning. The Minister’s deepest condolences go to the families of those who were killed in this devastating incident. The Minister’s observation is that the problems that the rail system is experiencing in Durban could be grouped into two broad categories.

The Regulatory System 

Spoornet and Metrorail are the responsible operators. The infrastructure (rolling stock) is owned by the South African Rail Commuter Corporation for the commuter service in the Metro area. On the other hand, Spoornet owns both the infrastructure and the operations for the mainline passenger service and freight.

What this effectively means is that various parts of the same shared rail system are regulated and controlled by different organisations. There is no proper co-ordination between the various regulators. Rivalry and turf control characterize the management of the rail system.

The management of these entities are under pressure to deliver increased return on investments. Safety standards are compromised in the process.

The future scenario involves the separation of the regulatory and operational responsibilities. An independent body is being set up to regulate the rail system, namely the Rail Safety Regulator.

The process of establishing this body, which will operate independently from the rail operators, is at an advanced stage. It will operate along similar lines as the Air Safety Regulator. Its mandate will be to regulate and monitor safety standards with sufficient punitive powers to act against transgressors.

The regulator will identify safety hazards and ensure that operators invest in safety improvements. A Bill has been finalised. The plan is to have it in parliament during the second quarter of this year.

Whilst this process is taking its course, a Commission will be tasked to identify technical safety gaps within the system and recommend interim measures. Installation and rehabilitation of the signaling systems will be the focal points of this Commission. 

Technical Capacity 

One of the factors highlighted, as the cause of yesterday’s train crash was the quality of control of the system by the Train Control Officers. There seem to be declining standards with regard to control systems, particularly with regard to co-ordination between Spoornet and Metrorail. Secondly, it is obvious that part of the problem is the low morale of staff and general industrial relations problems.  In addition, an urgent intervention is required for all the stakeholders to initiate a partnership building process between employers and the employees. We are constantly hearing of a breakdown in this regard. 

Finally, it is generally acknowledged that there is a need for increased investment in rail infrastructure and rolling stock, and steps are being taken to deal with these matters on a continuous basis. 

For further information and enquiries please contact George Mahlalela on 082 5666 785. 

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