Columbus caps volumes on Maputo route

Border post constraints force the issue
ALAN PEAT
THE MAJOR SA steel company, Columbus Stainless, is capping the volumes it transports along the Maputo Corridor due to the corridor’s constraints, according to company executive, Dirk Nell.
It is currently transporting 5 000-tons per month along the corridor, but inadequacies at the Lebombo border post prevent any increase.
“With the border post closing at 18:00, trucks have to leave from the company very early in the morning, and this is a high-risk period for accidents,” said Nell.
The slow turnaround time at the border post also increases costs.
“In addition,” said Nell, “the rail constraints along the corridor prevent us from using this option.”
The company is currently shipping most of its products through the SA ports.