Limpopo to Gauteng rail link mooted to ease traffic congestion

THE Gauteng and Limpopo governments are discussing the construction of a railway line linking the two provinces to alleviate traffic congestion.

The two premiers met last week in Johannesburg to discuss the idea.

They want to link the two provinces through a “new, faster and more efficient rail network”.

This follows remarks made by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi in his maiden State of the Province Address in February to start the process.

The rail network is meant to transport commodities for regional and domestic markets as well as people.

The duo said a joint technical team of senior officials from the two provinces and the Gautrain Management Agency would meet regularly to discuss the modalities of the project.

They said financial institutions had already shown interest in funding the project. “(We) have been addressing the long-outstanding matter of linking the two provinces using rail as a method to speedily deliver goods… Once fully operational, the Limpopo-to-Gauteng rail link will alleviate the traffic congestion between the two provinces, especially during Easter and festive holidays. The project will also stimulate economic growth,” said Lesufi.

“I think with the kind of enthusiasm that the premier of Gauteng is bringing into the project, finally it will kick off the ground. We have been trying to do this for some time now but with the kind of leadership and enthusiasm that we are bringing into the project, (it) will now fly,” Mathabatha said.

Limpopo and Gauteng travellers have received the news with jubilation.

Sihle Nthabeleng from Pretoria said that the rail link would save him money as he had family in Limpopo.

Ndivhuwo Magwedze, from Limpopo, said he often travelled to Joburg to get stock for his retail business.

“I'm hoping the two premiers are truthful about this because it would really help and boost the economy. It would just be simply easier for me to stock my products,” Magwedze said.