Passenger rail agency, Prasa, says it has temporarily suspended its train services in the Western Cape after Eskom cut off power to its main supply system in Cape Town. It is understood that Prasa owes Eskom R250 million.
STATEMENT BY THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR DAN PLATO
Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato urges PRASA to pay its overdue electricity bill to restore Cape Town operations
Electricity supply was cut to Cape Town station as well as stations across the province today. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/EBsvyw6FBg— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) February 27, 2020
More than 300 000 people will be affected on Thursday afternoon.
Prasa says Eskom disconnected power to Metrorail as a result of an overdue payment of 34 days.
The power utility says Prasa must pay within 14 days of receiving an invoice.
❗️MEDIA STATEMENT ❗️
PRASA engaging Eskom @Eskom_SA to have power restored to Western Cape Rail Network…?? pic.twitter.com/gSxUyvbLL2
— PRASA Group (@PRASA_Group) February 27, 2020
In the video below, the Acting Regional Manager of Rail Operations in the Western Cape, Raymond Maseko, says they are engaging Eskom to try and resolve the situation: