Pretoria Station Vandalised

The South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC), which owns all commuter rail stations, trains, property and railway lines condemned vandalism of the Pretoria Station which caused its closure yesterday evening.

The Station was badly damaged by angry commuters who went on a rampage after train delays due to a signalling problem. The Station is a South African heritage structure, which was designed in 1910 by the celebrated architect, Sir Herbert Baker. SARCC completed the Station upgrade last year at a cost of R8,6 million which included a new ticket office, access control and client service centre.

Structural engineers, quantity surveyors and building contractors are presently working at determining the extent of the damages, which will cost millions of rands to repair. The basic structure does not appear to be affected, though some parts will have to be demolished and reconstructed. The roof is completely damaged and will have to reconstructed. Also vandalised is the Blue Train passenger lounge, which was built in 1999.

The Acting Managing Director of SARCC, Ben van der Ross expressed concern about this recurring act of vandalism that commuters and some members of the public have resorted to in expressing their dissatisfaction about the service and other issues not relating to rail commuting. In December 2000, striking security guards vandalised 25 stations and burnt 4 coaches, causing damages estimated at R12million.

Van der Ross said that vandalism of assets is affecting the cost of insurance of commuter rail assets to the extent that our assets are regarded as high risk. With the limited capital funds available, it has become difficult and could ultimately be impossible to improve some of our stations which need upgrading. He appealed to the public to consider the consequence of their actions and that it is they (commuters) who will suffer if such actions persist.