PRASA in support of copper scrap export ban imposed by SA government

In the wake of an announcement by the South African government to impose a ban on copper scrap metals, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has welcomed the move.

The ban is all about curbing the trade of metal scrap, with PRASA saying it believes the move will limit theft of railway assets.

Acting PRASA CEO Hishaam Emeran said in a statement that the theft of cables and metals have seriously affected the agency.

“Theft of cables and metals has badly damaged our network. It is more than theft, it is sabotage of economic infrastructure,” said Emeran.

“We have beefed up our security, introducing military-grade fencing to protect our 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 on the trade of waste scrap and semi-processed metals will assist our efforts.”

Emeran also noted that assets stolen from PRASA have ended up in unregistered scrap yards where they are processed and sold illegally.

“The six-month ban on export and tightening of trade regulations will go a long way in reversing copper theft and demand for meatal scrap,” Emeran said.

While PRASA is struggling financially, the agency confirmed that copper cable theft has cost the passenger rail agency a fortune directly and indirectly.

It also explained that insfrastructure vandalism has a direct cost of repairing, replacing and protecting the equipment –  this led to delays and cancelled trips.

Apart from PRASA, state owned entities such as Transnet freight rail, Telkom and Eskom have also been targeted by cable thieves.

Moreover, the passenger rail agency also noted the intervention made by Police Minister Bheki Cele that the government will bolster law enforcement around stolen assets.

“Stronger policing will help curb theft of our railway infrastructure, our focus should be on running passenger trains not spending billions on our network,” concluded Emeran.