Manganese rail link shut down

FREIGHT rail and logistics operator Transnet is to embark on a R176 million large scale maintenance plan that will involve the shutting down of its manganese rail line between the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape provinces. The three-day shutdown will involve the replacement of more than 50 000 sleepers and the installations of 204 new rails, is to begin on Tuesday. Transnet Freight Rail spokesman Mike Asefovitz said there would be no traffic flowing between the two provinces. “Planning for this operation is a meticulous process and depends on participation from several cross functional departments within Transnet Freight Rail, as well as the involvement of numerous third parties,” said Asefovitz. – Sechaba ka’Nkosi