Sarcc Condemns Signalling Theft

SARCC's Acting CEO, Ben van der Ross, condemned the theft of more than 36 signalling heads, which happened last night in Soweto, the Naledi line. These signalling heads are made of aluminium and have a minimal second hand value.

Van der Ross further condemned scrap metals dealers who encourage this kind of behaviour. He said that the SAPS is investigating commuter rail theft and vandalism incidents. The Corporation is following these investigations and want to see perpetrators brought to book.

"This is one of many ongoing incidents of theft and vandalism of commuter rail assets countrywide. The SARCC is currently investigating alternative materials, which would not have second hand value. Poly-utherane material is being reviewed for this application," said van der Ross.

The SARCC is also in the process of researching other materials, which can replace the electrical overhead lines, which are made up of copper. On the telecommunication side, we will be moving towards copperless systems as a means to deter theft. To combat the theft and vandalism of cables, SARCC will bury all surface cables that have to be replaced.

"The Corporation does not only have to deal with ageing signalling infrastructure problems, but with replacing assets which have been stolen or vandalised," said van der Ross. He said that this incident does not only affect the budget, but disrupts operation and innocent commuters are the ones who suffer. The safety of commuters is prioritised at all times; hence the suspension of services by Metrorail until it was safe to operate.

Vandalism of rail assets has been in the increase lately and is a great concern to the management of SARCC.