As South Africa observes Transport Month, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has questioned the alleged maladministration of R7.5 billion within the Public Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) relating to refurbishment contracts.
The DA has called on the Public Protector, Adv. Nompilo Gcaleka to investigate its claims. The DA claims that PRASA awarded R7.5 billion towards the GO contracts aimed at refurbishing trains, yet forensic audits indicate that the trains still appear in dilapidated conditions.
Thamsanqa Mabhena, the DA’s Deputy Spokesperson on Transport, indicated that its complaints stem from audits pointing out that refurbishments of old trains have not been undertaken.
PRASA train refurbishments are not complete
“A draft forensic report by Webber Wentzel, several media reports, and oversight visits by DA Members of Parliament, show the refurbished carriages are not operational. Instead, they have been abandoned at railway depots, left to rust, and have deteriorated through neglect and a lack of maintenance,” Mabhena.
Mabhena said it was scandalous that train ticket prices have increased, yet the contractors awarded the said contracts have not met their refurbishment obligations.
In June, PRASA’s Board reported to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport that it spent R2.5 billion on the GO contracts. Whilst in September, the same Board reported to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts that the GO contract expenditure stood at R3.5 billion.
The DA questions the reliability and inconsistencies in PRASA’s financial disclosures before Parliament.
“…investigations revealed direct links between three PRASA Board members and some of these companies[refurbishment contractors], which must be thoroughly scrutinised for possible corruption and fraud.
“South Africans deserve a rail system that serves commuters, not one crippled by negligence and potential corruption,” added Mabhena.
