Johannesburg - The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) said the temporary ban on the sale of scrap metal would ensure that passenger rail infrastructure is not easily vandalised and sold for profit.
The agency’s chief executive, Hishaam Emeran, said the theft of cables and metals has badly damaged Prasa’s network.
He said the theft of Prasa's assets was not only a criminal act but also sabotage.
"We have beefed up our security, introducing military-grade fencing to protect our most valuable assets. Since we implemented the integrated security plan, the asset-related crimes have dropped significantly.
“But it is not economically feasible to fence our entire network, and this policy change on the trade of waste scrap and semi-processed metals will assist our efforts,” Emeran said.
Emeran said Prasa supported the measures to restrict and regulate trade in waste, scrap, and semi-finished ferrous and non-ferrous metal products.
The six-month ban on exports and tightening of trade regulations will go a long way toward reversing copper theft and the demand for scrap metal.
Emeran said assets stolen from Prasa have ended up at scrap metal yards, where they are processed and sold.
“The cost of cable theft and vandalism experienced on the Prasa network can be quantified in terms of the direct and indirect costs associated with the theft and vandalism.
“Cable theft and vandalism of substations and signalling equipment result in the direct cost of repairing, replacing, and protecting the equipment,” he said.
Emeran said that implementation of the policy to restrict and regulate trade in scrap metals will positively impact the economy.
“It will bolster Prasa's ability to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and efficient passenger train services.
“The theft of metal and copper cables sold to the industry has had a debilitating impact on PRASA.
“This has necessitated a programme to rebuild and recover corridors damaged as a result of this theft and vandalism."
The Star