For steam train enthusiasts who missed the first two installments of our Choo-Tjoe newsletter, please e-mail finmin@pgwc.gov.za, and we will send them to you. Herewith the third:
Pressure to get the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe back on track is certainly building!
This week, the Ministry began to get calls from the public about when the Choo-Tjoe will resume its operations between George and Mossel Bay. In media statements at the end of June, Transnet assured that the line would reopen in August. According to a representative from Transnet, this has been delayed until mid-September due to a shortage of spare parts. Minister Winde says that he is “very much looking forward to seeing our Southern Cape icon back in action, and hopes the required parts arrive soon”.
At a meeting to be held on the 21st of this month in George, MEC Winde will brief the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Steering Committee on the progress we have made thus far to keep the train on track. He plans to pave the way forward for increased cooperation between his department and the Steering Committee by inviting them to become a part of our effort to find a lasting solution for the its continued operation. Our goal, as with this newsletter, is to bring all train enthusiasts together: many heads think much better than a few! On that note, thank you to all the concerned enthusiasts who have e-mailed us with suggestions and comments about the Choo-Tjoe. Your inputs are incredibly valuable to us.
UPDATE: At a meeting called by Minister Winde last month, Transnet undertook to compile an information memorandum on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. We are expecting to receive that document by the end of this month, at which time we will invite the public to a special meeting where we will call for expressions of interest from private sector investors.
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