Battling Choo-tjoe Gets Lifeline
Western Cape Finance and Tourism MEC Lynne Brown has thrown a lifeline to the struggling Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe.
She said her department recently met Transnet Limited and Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies regarding the future of the popular train and that a positive resolution was in sight.
As part of the process now under way, Brown will be appointing a project manager to generate a business model for the Choo-Tjoe on the George/Mossel Bay line. “The economic opportunities which a smooth-running Choo-Tjoe can avail to the local communities are not to be ignored,” Brown said.
The completed business model will have to be presented to Transnet and once agreed on, the next phase in the future of the Choo-Tjoe will start.
Transnet has just completed its transformation into a focused freight transport and logistics company and has decided to exit from all operations that do not form part of its core focus of rail freight, pipelines and ports. It therefore decided to close the line.
Transnet group chief executive Maria Ramos said: “The Choo-Tjoe is a wonderful asset with great people working for it. However, it falls outside our strategic focus areas.”
Ann Wentzel, spokesman for Brown, said: “It has also been agreed that while Transnet will not be involved in future operations of the steam train, it will be responsible for the track and has committed to assist by providing all the relevant information needed to finalise the business case.
“The project manager will also compile a business case for the George/Knysna Line. MEC Brown is setting up a steering committee. A public participation process will also be part of finalising the way forward,” she said.
The iconic steam train stopped running on the George/Knysna line after extensive flood damage in 2006, compounded by further flood damage in November 2007. “Due to the continued risk of further damage on this route, and the costs involved in repairing it, Transnet is not planning to reopen it,” said Wentzel.
The train is currently running between George and Mossel Bay.
By Katherine Wilkinson
www.theherald.co.za
