Gauteng Premier Mr Panyaza Lesufi and his Limpopo counterpart, Mr Stanley Mathabatha, have joined forces to connect their provinces through a modern railway network. The two Premiers met on Wednesday 26 April to discuss the implementation process of the proposed rail project.
The railway network aims to alleviate traffic congestion during busy periods such as Easter and the Festive holidays while improving connectivity between the two provinces. Lesufi had made a commitment in his maiden State of the Province Address in February to start the process of linking the two provinces.
Lesufi highlighted the significant economic benefits of the project and emphasized the need for it. “Once fully operational, the Limpopo-to-Gauteng rail link will alleviate the traffic congestion between the two provinces, especially during Easter and the Festive holidays. The project will also stimulate economic growth,” said Lesufi.
The project is also set to stimulate economic growth by transporting commodities for regional and domestic markets, as well as passengers. A joint technical team comprising senior officials from the two provincial governments and the Gautrain Management Agency will meet regularly to discuss the modalities of the project.
Mathabatha expressed his appreciation for the initiative, and financial institutions have already shown interest in funding the project. He acknowledged that they had been trying to implement the project since 2014 but had faced financial challenges. “I think with the kind of enthusiasm that the Premier is bringing into the project, finally it will kick-off the ground,” said Mathabatha.
The project is poised to transform the transportation landscape of the two provinces, creating new opportunities for growth and development while enhancing trade and economic activities within the region.
