Moloto corridor: R46m spent on studies, no rail line built, but Public Protector finds no maladministration

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka concluded on Thursday that the government did not engage in maladministration concerning the Moloto corridor project. Residents had complained that the National Department of Transport had delayed the rail line between Gauteng and Mpumalanga for over 20 years. They also alleged that public funds were squandered on multiple feasibility studies.

Gcaleka found that the department conducted two studies - one in 2007 costing more than R30 million and another in 2012 exceeding R16 million. She stated that the combined spending of around R46 million was "not necessarily fruitless or wasteful". Gcaleka said the studies had different purposes under different funding models. Advocate Nelisiwe Nkabinde explained that the first study focused solely on rail.

Following National Assembly intervention, the second study considered both rail and road upgrades. The second study suggested that the road option was more feasible and economical. Gcaleka confirmed that the rail project remained unbuilt due to affordability constraints. The Treasury refused approval due to weak economic justification.

The road has since been upgraded, and Gcaleka noted significant progress. Nkabinde found no criminality or extortion and stated that such allegations would be referred to law enforcement agencies. She recommended that the president and the Ministers of Transport and Finance review the report, urging annual meetings and yearly progress reports to Parliament.

Additionally, she called for a steering committee to consider an integrated plan for the rail corridor. The report also advised using state and university expertise before hiring private firms. Nkabinde warned that new studies would be necessary as homes and businesses had since been constructed along the route. She stated, "If this project is considered again, there will need to be another feasibility study."