Transnet has filed an application with the High Court to compel China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) to provide replacement parts and components for trains it supplied to the State-owned rail and ports company some years ago.
Transnet stated in a statement that the locomotives were purchased from CRRC in 2012 and 2014.
The statement added, “The application requests for an urgent hearing to obtain the immediate release of the spares to Transnet for use in the locomotives, and for the sum owed by Transnet to CRRC for such spares, if any, to be determined in due course.”
The state-owned firm stated that if the parts are approved, it will be able to restore hundreds of trains.
“Access to the spare parts and components will enable Transnet to return to service 53 Class 20E and 67 Class 21E locomotives that have been out of service due to a lack of access to the necessary spares and components. Moreover, it will contribute to the timely maintenance of these two fleet classes, according to Transnet.
Additionally, the locomotive manufacturer is embroiled in a lawsuit with Transnet over the contentious R25 billion locomotive supply contracts awarded to CRRC in 2012 and 2014.
Transnet is requesting that the contracts be voided by the Special Tribunal on the grounds that CRRC may have been awarded the contracts after allegedly paying kickbacks in the form of Business Development Services Agreements to companies implicated in state capture allegations.