The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) is poised to take legal action against property owners responsible for illegal borehole drilling that has resulted in the suspension of train services between Park Station and Rosebank.
The news comes as CEO Tshepo Kgobe confirmed that consulting with legal counsel is underway, highlighting the serious implications of unauthorised construction activities.
“We are consulting with legal counsel; we will act in due course.”
“In accordance with the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA), homeowners must apply for permission before conducting any drilling. Illegal drilling is considered a serious offence as it can damage underground infrastructure, compromise safety, and result in costly repairs. To ensure such occurrences are prevented in the future, we urge homeowners to follow due process when any land use changes or construction activities are planned,” Kgobe said.
The illegal drilling incident has caused significant disruptions as repairs to the compromised tunnel are underway.
As a temporary measure, a Gautrain bus replacement service has been instituted to transport passengers every 15 minutes between the two stations from 05:30 to 20:30. He says efforts are ongoing to restore full service without compromising passenger safety, and customers will be kept informed of developments.
“The train service between Rosebank and Park Stations remains suspended while repairs are taking place. Ensuring the safety of passengers remains the primary focus. A Gautrain bus replacement service has been set up between Rosebank and Park Stations. Buses will run every 15 minutes between the two stations from 05:30 to 20:30 as a contingency measure. Work is underway to ensure the restoration of the Gautrain’s full services; we are committed to finalising repairs as soon as possible without compromising the safety of our passengers. Our customers will be updated as more information becomes available,” he emphasised.
The City of Johannesburg has identified this incident as part of a larger trend, having previously arrested suspects for illegal borehole drilling activities in various locations, including the CBD and Mayfair.
Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku underscored the grave consequences of illegal drilling, citing soil and water seepage into the tunnels, which poses not only operational challenges but also safety risks.
Tshwaku reiterated the importance of obtaining the city’s approval before drilling on any property, stressing that those who fail to comply will face strict penalties.
“All those found drilling without approval will be arrested, their equipment confiscated, and they will face the full might of the law,” he warned.
It is explained that to legally drill a borehole, it is mandatory to undertake a hydrogeological study conducted by a registered hydrogeologist.
Permits must be obtained, and all relevant stakeholders, including Transport, City Power, and Johannesburg Water, must be consulted. Tshwaku advised prospective drillers to work with experienced and legally registered drilling companies to ensure compliance with the necessary regulations and by-laws.
The Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, visited the site over the weekend to evaluate the ongoing restoration work, asserting the commitment to passenger safety and service restoration.
Gautrain, a crucial 80-kilometre higher-speed commuter rail system connecting Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kempton Park, and O.R. Tambo International Airport, relies on both above-ground and underground infrastructure. While this incident has temporarily affected service between Rosebank and Park Stations, operations at other stations continue uninterrupted.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star