Hon Chairperson, the Passenger Rail Agency of SA, Prasa, board of control has approved security strategy that is set to improve the security of commuters and employees, safeguard rail assets and infrastructure. The strategy mandates and direct security services to implement integrated security service and modern security solutions.
The implementation of contemporary security technology as a workforce multiplier, contribute to operational security deployment and efficacy.
Modern technologies included the deployment of drones, specialised vehicles, perimeter walling and the hardening of assets to prevent
and reduce intentions of theft and malicious damage to property. The increasing cost of security deployment are reduced through a continuous review of the security risks adjustment in the resources required to secure the assets and infrastructure, procurement and implementation of modern security technologies.
The up skilling of Prasa security officers is a continuous process to ensure compliance with Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, Psira, registration requirements.
Officers are furthermore provided additional training such as peace officers to enhance professionalism and up skill competency levels.
The operational effectiveness of security to fulfil its mandate is based on the continuous security risk threat and vulnerability of assessments. The Passenger Rail Agency of SA commenced the process of reclaiming stations and train operations for security and safety effectiveness will focus on maintaining security interventions.
The operational security action plans include the deployment of security on trains in the identified corridors to protect the
safety of commuters. The deployment of security is guided by the security risk threat vulnerability.
Weekly and monthly joint planning meetings with the SA Railway Police integrate and strengthen security intervention and reduce vulnerability of Prasa. The passenger rail system is old and outdated and has reached the end of its design life with the infrastructure and the rolling stock prone to failure.
To further exacerbate this situation, rapid urbanisation has led to large communities settling close to the rail network and encroaching on to the rail service. This has led to the increase in vandalism and theft of the railway infrastructure.
The Passenger Rail Agency of SA has commenced a rail modernisation programme. In the next 10 years government will be investing in access of R173 billion in modernising the rail network nationally by acquiring new modern trains, installing new signalling system, upgrading the pair ways and the station and upgrading rolling stock depots which is the work in progress as we speak. Thank you.