Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma on Thursday welcomed the successful completion of the first batch of electric locomotives produced at Transnet.
Speaking after a tour of Transnet’s manufacturing and engineering facility in Koedoespoort, Pretoria, President Zuma said the acquisition of the 95 locomotives forms part of Transnet’s long-term fleet renewal programme aimed at increasing capacity while also reducing the average age of the locomotives fleet.
“It also forms part of government’s national infrastructure development programme designed to improve the social and economic infrastructure to boost the economy and improve quality of life,” said the President.
While on tour, the President not only got inside but also witnessed the 95th electric locomotive’s maiden drive out of Transnet Engineering’s production line.
The locomotive is part of the 95 electric locomotives Transnet bought from China South Rail (CSR) Zhuzhou and built in Koedoespoort in an agreement that was concluded in 2012. Eighty-five of the 95 locomotives were assembled in Koedoespoort, while only 10 were built at CSR’s manufacturing facilities in China.
“We are pleased to join Transnet to witness and celebrate the completion and delivery of 95 electric locomotives,” said the President.
The project marks the success of Transnet's first venture into the production of electric locomotives.
The delivery of the locomotives, which are also energy efficient, will enable Transnet to transport more freight on rail in an efficient way. The locomotives will advance government’s objective of shifting the transportation of goods from road to rail.
Over the past five years, Transnet has invested more than R140 billion in the maintenance and expansion of the country's rail, ports and pipeline networks.
“This is very important given our focus on promoting infrastructure development to boost economic growth and job creation as well as skills development,” President Zuma said.
The project has seen 190 people being trained in China. It also resulted in 260 people being employed in the assembly.
The training received from China will ensure that Transnet has the necessary capability to effectively maintain the locomotives over their economic lifespan, thereby sustaining local jobs.
“It is also very pleasing that Transnet did not only partner with a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment company but that this consortium of CSR includes a black woman-owned company and a community trust,” said President Zuma.
The President said the building of the locomotives on home soil will contribute to the development of local industries.
He said the successful delivery of the 95 locomotives has set a good platform for Transnet to deliver on the 1 064 locomotives acquisition programme.
“Our aim is also to see the country building capacity and capability to manufacture its own locomotives in future,” he said.
The President said South Africa should also be able to export to other countries.
The locomotives, said Transnet Group CEO Brian Molefe, will be used for general freight business and are already in operation.
“They will be used for general freight business but mainly manganese. Already they are in operation,” he said, with the first locomotive having journeyed to Port Elizabeth some time last year.
“About 86 locomotives are in operation between Sishen and Port Elizabeth, transporting mainly manganese. Two locomotives have been allocated to the Blue Train,” Molefe said. - SAnews.gov.za
