Q&A’s, 2008

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
IQP:16-2008

Question 953

Mr S B Farrow (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1) Whether the rail lines that previously linked Eskom Coal Fired Power Stations throughout the country are still being utilised to transport coal to those affected power stations; if not; why are they mothballed; if so, which power stations are still utilising these rail links to supply coal to them;

(2) whether these redundant rail lines will be re-used; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the further relevant details? NW1645E

Reply

(1) No coal was transported via rail to power stations except for Majuba Power Station and low volume top-up coal for Grootvlei Power Station. The rail systems, where installed, were used mainly for material transport during the building of the power stations or for bringing in coal samples to do bulk load tests.

For coal to be delivered to any power station, tippler facilities will have to be installed.

(2) There are no rail links to Lethabo, Matla, Kriel, Matimba, Kendal, Duvha and Komati Power Stations. The rail sidings to Tutuka, Arnot, Hendrina, Grootvlei and Camden Power Stations cannot be used and require refurbishment. Most of these rail sidings cannot carry heavy haul coal, and none have tippler facilities.

Eskom, in co-operation with Transnet, is currently investigating the South African rail transport network for optimal coal transport to all relevant power stations. It will include the possible re-use, repair or upgrading of existing rail sidings, or the building of new sidings where needed, as well as the installation of loading sites and offloading facilities at power stations where needed.