Prasa in talks with City of Cape Town to 'keep lights on' at stations

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa says it is negotiating payment arrangements with the City of Cape Town to keep the lights on at its stations.

The City claims it is owed R63 million by Prasa Corporate Real Estate Solutions, Prasa said in a statement on Wednesday. Prasa CRES manages Prasa's property portfolio – this includes train stations and bus terminals. 

"In February Prasa CRES paid the City R77 million. However, the City is claiming a further R63 million. We have to reconcile our transaction history to determine if the amount the City claims corresponds with our own records," said Prasa spokesperson Makhosini Mgitywa.

"At any rate PRASA CRES will be making another payment of R22m by 15 March 2020."

"We are optimistic that Prasa will arrive at an amicable solution with the City, which will keep our lights on at the train stations," said Mgitywa.

"A power cut [by the City] would only affect stations, which would mean that there would not be sufficient lighting. That would negatively affect commuters, especially before dawn and after dusk," Mgitywa added. 

The outstanding bill for electricity is from the City, not Eskom, the statement clarified.  

Last week Eskom cut power to Prasa Rail at stations across the Western Cape, due to unpaid electricity accounts, News24 reported.

Prasa subsequently paid the power utility, and power was restored.