KwaZulu-Natal’s train tracks on the Old Main Line between Kloof and Inchanga incurred hundreds of thousands of rands worth of damage during the recent floods, leading to the suspension of the Umgeni Steam Railway trips for the foreseeable future.
“We are so disappointed and frustrated. We were just finding our feet again, recovering financially and regaining momentum after the long Covid-19 lockdown, with great plans for all the April and May holidays and now we have this extraordinary set-back,” Umgeni Steam Railway chairman, Ashley Peter said.
“Parts of the track have been severely undermined and are requiring round the clock extensive (and expensive) rehabilitation. It is a monumental task involving large teams of workers and hundreds of tons of landfill material to rectify,” he said.
There are many places where landslides have occurred, sinkholes developed and the foundation under the railway line was washed away, leaving the lines hanging in the air.
There are various stretches of the track which have been damaged, four sections in particular and two near Inchanga. One 350m stretch of track to the west, a second about 2km to the east, a third on Botha’s Hill and a fourth section near Gillitts need major interventions. A team has already started repairing the track 2km east of Inchanga, using second hand railway sleepers to erect a retaining wall and removing slip material in the Everton road cutting.
Any members of the public who want to help can support the project financially as rehabilitation will cost in excess of R1 million – a crippling amount for USR to come up with.
USR has also asked the public to assist with additional landfill material, sand, rock and clean builders’ rubble. If anyone can help landfill material can be dumped at Inchanga Station off Thousand Hills Road / MR485 Rd opposite D732.
The USR volunteers have also appealed for the use of a TLB, Bobcat or similar machinery on select days to help with the process.
“And of course, we look to the public to support our glorious trains once they are up and running again, so we can replenish our coffers and continue to provide the fabulous attraction which is the Umgeni Steam Railway,” Peter said.
The Umgeni Steam Railway is a non-profit company run entirely by volunteers who maintain and operate the trains, the tracks, museum, library and archives. The organisation is dedicated to preserving the heritage of railways in South Africa. Umgeni Steam Railway is actively looking for new members. Please contact them for more information.
For donations for the use of earthmoving equipment such as a TLB, and fill material please email donations@umgenisteamrailway.com or send them a message on their social media pages.
