Belmont (D12)

Name:Belmont

Google count:26,500 for Belmont
Date:25 July 2008

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

The MOUs has been signed by Spoornet and money for revival of Belmont-Douglas line deposited to appoint project managers to start implementation.

http://www.info.gov.za/aboutgovt/poa/report/economic05.htm

Where to stay:

Rail utility Spoornet has appointed Protekon Perway to upgrade the Belmont-Douglas railway line in the Northern Cape in a challenging labour-intensive contract.

The first phase of the contract covers the 40km track section between Douglas and Salt Lake.

The Belmont-Douglas line - which mainly carries wheat, maize and other produce from the GWK co-operative in Douglas - currently has an axle load of 11,5 tons which has to be upgraded to 18 tons.

This means that heavier axle load perway material will have to be used.

Gert Ludick, Deputy Business Manager, Protekon Perway, says the existing rails will be replaced with 40 - 48kg rails and the steel sleepers with P2 type concrete and heavy-duty steel sleepers. “It's a challenging assignment in that Protekon has had to change our usual work method to be as labour-intensive as possible for this local government-funded project.

"About 500 to 600 totally inexperienced people from the mostly impoverished local communities will be trained by Protekon Perway to provide the labour for the project,” Ludick stated.

“As additional funds become available, Protekon can expect a workload of about R28 to R30 million during the first phase of the contract. Work valued at R10 million has so far already been signed over to Protekon. There is also the likelihood of the upgrading of the remainder of the line, Salt Lake-Belmont, in future,” he added.
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=79625