CATHY DIPPNALL reports on the current state of Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe affairs
TRAIN lovers will be happy to know that tenders to buy Africa’s last commercial steam locomotive, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, are being processed by Transnet.
“Transnet is still evaluating submissions, after which time a short-listing process will occur. Unfortunately as this is a tender process, details around the applications must remain confidential,” said Western Cape Finance, Economic Development and Tourism minister Alan Winde in a press statement on December 15.
In October Transnet called for expressions of interest from prospective buyers of the iconic train, which has been running between George and Mossel Bay after the line to Knysna was damaged in the 2006/7 floods.
Initial estimates for repairing the line and refurbishing the coaches put the cost at over R100-million. A steering committee was formed to find ways to save the Choo-Tjoe, which Transnet wants to close down, because it does not form part of its core freight business.
Interested parties wanting to take over the management and operation of the service had until December 1 to submit their applications.
“I was very heart sore when I first became aware that the Choo-Tjoe was to be derailed. But today we stand in a very different position as Transnet has agreed to keep the train on track until a suitable private owner is found.”
The Choo-Tjoe’s assets that are up for sale include steam locomotives, carriages, spare parts, and supporting equipment and infrastructure.
According to the call for expressions of interest, prospective buyers had to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and experience to finance, own, operate and manage heritage steam locomotives and rolling stock.
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