A local councillor has moved to distance himself from allegations that criminal networks infiltrated contracts linked to the rebuilding of the Prasa Central Line
Image: Jacques Naude/Independent Newspapers
Local ward councillor Angus Mckenzie has distanced himself from allegations that criminal networks have infiltrated contracts related to the rebuilding of Cape Town’s Central Line, amid increasing calls for a comprehensive investigation into the troubled rail project.
The controversy follows reports alleging that companies connected to an alleged 28s gang boss may have benefited from contracts linked to the reconstruction of the Central Line, which is a key commuter route serving communities across the Cape Flats and other areas.
The councillor, who chairs the sub-council covering parts of the rail corridor, said his involvement in the project was limited to an introductory engagement with officials when the rebuild programme was first presented.
According to him, the meeting included officials from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), the initial contractor appointed to carry out the work, and the agency’s head of security.
During the meeting, the rollout plan and work packages for the rebuilding of the line was outlined.
He said that the sub-council was asked to assist in a limited way to help ensure local residents could benefit from employment opportunities linked to the project.
"We facilitated the placement of CV drop boxes so that residents could apply for employment opportunities linked to the rebuilding of the line. Those CVs were collected directly by PRASA and the contractor," he said.
The councillor said he also made it clear from the onset that criminal elements would not be tolerated in projects taking place in the area.
"I made my position exceptionally clear to PRASA and the contractor present at the meeting, that there would be zero tolerance for any involvement of gangs, extortionists or criminal elements."
To strengthen oversight, he said a communication channel was established between project stakeholders and the South African Police Service (SAPS) so that any incidents could be reported immediately.
However, several months into the project, reports began surfacing of violence and intimidation linked to construction along sections of the line.
"Reports surfaced of gang-related violence, attacks on contractors and even killings linked to the Central Line construction process."
The councillor said incidents linked to the project occurred mainly in areas around Kalksteenfontein and Netreg rather than at Bonteheuwel station.
Whenever information reached him, he said it was passed on to SAPS through the communication platform that included contractors, PRASA officials and security stakeholders.
The sub-council was later informed that the contract had been suspended amid growing concerns about extortion and criminal interference
The Labour union General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has also called for an urgent investigation into the allegations, warning that workers on construction sites could face serious risks if criminal networks are involved.
Union president Mametlwe Sebei said any probe must include strong protections for workers who come forward with information.
"GIWUSA calls for an urgent investigation that will ensure the protection of workers who decide to become whistleblowers on contract sites," Sebei said.
"Witness protection programmes must be activated for workers who come forward with information."
GIWUSA warns that the presence of gangs or extortion networks on construction sites creates a hostile working environment and undermines safety of workers on the railway.
Image: Supplied
The union also wants PRASA to disclose who the contractors on the project are and how they were vetted.
"We want PRASA to account to workers and the public about who the contractors are and what the screening process was. We also want a full audit of all subcontractors on the Central Line project."
Sebei warned that the presence of gangs or extortion networks on construction sites creates a hostile working environment and undermines worker safety.
"Any contract involving extortionists and gangs creates an environment where workers are afraid to report faults because the people supplying materials may be connected to criminal networks."
He said poor oversight in infrastructure projects had already led to devastating consequences in the province.
"Money allocated for the Central Line is meant to ensure a safe and reliable service for the working class. Poor quality material and substandard work is not an option."
The councillor said the allegations surrounding the Central Line project are extremely serious and must be thoroughly investigated.
"PRASA must be transparent with the public about what occurred, whether any engagement took place with criminal actors, and what steps were taken when reports of extortion and violence first surfaced."
lilita.gcwabe@inl.co.za