28 December 2001
The Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar on the Metrorail accident in KwaMashu.
The Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar expressed his shock at the recent commuter rail accident, which took place yesterday near KwaMashu, Kwazulu-Natal. Minister Omar conveyed his condolences to the family of the train driver who died in the accident. He also conveyed his sympathies and support to the 25 commuters who were injured and wished them a speedy recovery from hospital.
Minister Omar said he was in consultation with the CEO of Metrorail, Mr Honey Mateya and the Chairperson of the SARCC Board, Mr Eddie Lekota who would institute a preliminary investigation on the incident in conjunction with the police. Minister Omar said that a report indicating possible causes of the crash will be requested and a full investigation will follow.
“Mr Mateya and Mr Lekota, will be joined by my Head of Communication, Mike Mabasa today to visit the accident scene and also visit the injured in hospitals on my behalf”, Omar said.
Minister Omar said he was moving ahead with the establishment of an independent Rail Safety Regulator. “I am confident that an effective independent Regulator will assist in creating safer rail operations and an enforced system of safety compliance across the rail network including both freight and passenger operations. This will take the form of an independent agency with the legislative power and enforcement capability to effectively monitor and manage all areas of rail safety risk.”, Omar said.
He said he would be submitting the Bill to Cabinet shortly. Once set up, Minister Omar is confident that the new body will ensure that rail safety standards are raised to internationally accepted norms.
ISSUED BY:
Mike Mabasa
HEAD: Media Liaison and Corporate Communication
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT