The Gautrain, linking Johannesburg, Pretoria and Johannesburg International Airport, would have limited impact on the environment, it was announced on Monday.
An Environmental Impact Assessment report released in Midrand on Monday gave this opinion. The report is available for public viewing and comment over the next month. The report found that the impact of the proposed Rapid Rail Link would be mainly social and several alternative routes have been proposed in an effort to minimise the impact on communities.
”Since the Gautrain rail corridor passes through an already largely urbanised area, most identified impacts pertain to the socio-economic environment,” the report read. Director of the Bohlweki Environmental Management Unit Mark Freeman said the proposed alternative routes would mean that fewer residential properties would have to be expropriated for the railway line’s construction.
He said the assessment found that the Gautrain project was economically feasible and that it would make a significant contribution to Gauteng’s economy.
The report, spelling out the alternative routes, would be available at libraries and city council offices in Johannesburg, Centurion and Pretoria for the next month. It could also be accessed on internet on the Gautrain website.
The provincial department of Transport, Gautrans, has already selected two preferred bidders for the contract to construct and operate the train. Construction was expected to start in the first half of 2004. – Sapa