Choo-Tjoe still matters
The matter of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe formed part of a recent presentation by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to the standing committee on Finance and Economic Development at the Western Cape Provincial Parliament on September 12.
As the last remaining scheduled steam train in South Africa, the Choo-Tjoe has always been a beloved icon of locals and a feature of Garden Route Tourism.
Unfortunately the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe has not been in operation since floods in August 2006 when the tracks were severely damaged. The current cost to repair these damaged tracks is estimated at R250-million.
“Despite the train not being operational over the past six years, the Choo-Tjoe still features on tourism signage, both physically and online,” says Eugene Von Brandis, DA spokesperson for Development, Tourism and Public Works in the Western Cape.
“As DA spokesperson on Economic Development and Tourism in the Western Cape I support the continuous deliberation with Transnet to see this jewel of the Garden Route reinstated.”
Read more in Thursday’s Knysna-Plett Herald, and online.
Source: The Knysna-Plett Herald