25 June 2001
"I am committed to ensuring that all our commuters enjoy a pleasant and safe commuting experience. True to my word. I came back today to ensure that the changes I requested had been made"
Transport Minister, Dullah Omar, revisited the Denneboom station on Monday June 25, 2001 at 10 AM.
The Minister revisited the station to reassure himself that the station’s unsafe conditions, found during his visit earlier this year had been rectified.
The unsafe conditions were the results of renovations being made to Station as part of its upgrade process. The upgrade forms part of the South African Rail Commuter Corporation’s (SARCC) plans to modernize its stations countrywide.
The Minister said the revisit to the station is very important for him as he will have first hand experience on how people are commuting daily. “The question of how our people move from one place to another is very close to my heart, by visiting this station and others around the country, I am able to feel how our people feel” He said.
In his budget speech, the Minister said the Department of Transport has completed draft legislation for the establishment of a Rail Safety Regulator for South Africa. This will take the form of an independent agency with the legislative power and enforcement capabilities to effectively monitor and manage all areas of rail safety risk
In his visit, the Minister launched the new Mamelodi Gardens Station. Commissioned by the SARCC and built at a cost of R15 Million, Mamelodi Gardens station plays an important role in the upgrading of the Mamelodi Corridor. Denneboom station, Eerstefabrike station, Mamelodi gardens station, Greenview Station and Pienaarspoort Station all form part of Mamelodi Corridor.
The Minister boarded a train from Denneboom station to Mamelodi Gardens station via Eerstefabrieke station. Among people who joined him for the inspection is the Executive Mayor of Tswane, Father Mkhatshwa, Metrorail executives and the people of Mamelodi.