By Nangamso Mabindla
16 May 2007

A RAIL safety awareness campaign has been launched as part of preparations for the testing of train drivers on the refurbished line between East London and Mthatha.

The campaign falls under the Eastern Cape's department of roads and transport. It forms part of the department's Back to Rail Strategy and preparations for the introduction of the Kei Rail passenger service between these two towns, which is expected to start before the end of July.

The Kei Rail Project aims to revive the 281km stretch of rail between East London and Mthatha and stimulate growth in the area.

On Tuesday, 15 May four train drivers that had received a refresher course in Pretoria started a trolly trip from Cambridge in East London and were expected to reach Mthatha on Wednesday, 16 May.

The province's MEC for roads and transport, Thobile Mhlahlo, said that these drivers were trained using simulators and would start driving locomotives on the line.

"This extensive training programme is informed by the fact that the Kei rail line is one of the toughest railway lines to navigate and we need to ensure that drivers are competent and comfortable with the terrain and the line before they begin driving on the tracks."

Mhlahlo said that the testing of drivers would begin on Monday, 21 May and would run until the department was satisfied that the drivers were ready to undertake "the mammoth task of prodiving alternative public transport for the people of the Eastern Cape".

"We felt that it was prudent for us to embark on a massive rail safety campaign because services on this line have not been active for many years and it is, therefore, imperative that a campaign of this magnitude be implemented to ensure that communities living along the line are safe."

Other objectives of the campaign include creating awareness that there will be trains running on the line before the service begins, and informing communities along the line, especially children, of the dangers associated with an operational line.

Another aim is to encourage communities to keep their livestock away from the track. There is a poster campaign, radio and newspaper advertising, informative pamphlets, and school and community outreach activities.