Ayanda Allie has raised alarm over the upcoming handover of the Gautrain to the Gauteng Provincial Government, warning it could mark “the beginning of the end” for the popular rail network.
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Concerns have been raised in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature over the impending handover of the Gautrain to the provincial government, with one opposition leader warning it could mark “the beginning of the end” for the popular rail service.
During a house sitting on 3 March, Ayanda Allie, a member of the Provincial Legislature representing Build One South Africa (BOSA), delivered a passionate address expressing deep concern about the future of the rapid rail network once it comes under full government control.
The Gautrain is set to be officially handed over to the Gauteng Provincial Government on 28 March, marking the end of the 19.5-year concession agreement with the Bombela Concession Company.
The project, launched in 2010 ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, was developed through a public-private partnership and has become a key transport link between Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport.
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However, Allie warned that the transition could put the rail system at risk if it is not properly managed.
“Please allow me to call for a moment of silence as we observe the mourning that the country is feeling as a result of the loss of our Gautrain,” she said in the legislature.
“Sixteen years after it was first launched, the Gautrain will be handed over to the Gauteng government as a fully paid asset. May God help us all,” Allie added.
While the handover has been presented by the government as a milestone achievement, Allie said the move should be approached with caution, given the state of other public infrastructure managed by the government.
“At face value, it sounds like good news. In fact, one might even be tempted to say congratulations, but we know this could be the beginning of the end for a much-loved asset,” she said.
“If history is anything to go by, we should be singing goodbye and so long, Gautrain,” Allie added.
In her speech, Allie criticised the governing African National Congress (ANC), accusing it of failing to maintain key infrastructure entrusted to it over the years, “Like the prodigal son, the ANC government has proven to be a careless heir who squandered his inheritance.”
“The ANC was entrusted with maintaining key infrastructure, and it failed to take care of what our forefathers and mothers purchased with their blood, sweat and tears,” Allie said.
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She further warned that poor governance and mismanagement could threaten the future of the Gautrain if strict oversight and responsible leadership are not exercised.
“This government has proved that it is unable to run anything except to run it to the ground,” she said.
Despite her concerns, Allie ended her address with a plea to provincial leaders to protect and expand the rail system rather than allow it to deteriorate.
“We ask MEC, may you hear my cry, not just as a member of this august House, not as a ratepayer or taxpayer, but as a black child,” she said.
“Please do not destroy this precious resource. If anything, grow the Gautrain and make it more accessible,” Allie added.
The provincial government has maintained that the handover represents a major milestone, as the rail system will officially become a fully paid asset of the province after nearly two decades under a concession agreement.
Chuma Nontsele
www.news24.com
