East London wants R1-bn to realise its upgrade plans

Expanding horizons beyond the motor industry Ed Richardson (Port Elizabeth) and Leonard Neill (East London) report. With government taking a greater interest in the industrial development of the Eastern Cape, and new export volumes on the planning boards for the motor industry, a new wave of optimism is sweeping through the region. There are brighter prospects of increased business activity. WITH A major client in the form of DaimlerChrysler, East London is assured of a constant flow of good business, which also means that port development is crucial. National Ports Authority (NPA) East London manager Thami Ntshingila firmly believes this to be the case. “With what we have done for this one major port user as the example we have a good advantage to win over other sectors of the motor industry. We have been able to show that we can deliver the service with no time constraints in both loading and unloading of vessels. What we have done for DaimlerChrysler in this respect, we can do for the others and we have the advantage of speedier handling over our competitors. “But there are other challenges outside the motor industry. The simple fact is that the port needs to grow. With it the concept of the IDZ must be realised. Here we need to shape the needs of the potential customer so that they will invest in the IDZ. “Frankly, the port is underdeveloped. The equipment in it, in many instances, is old and needs replacing. Then there are those stakeholders who are still calling for the development of the outer port. That portion of the West Bank on the sea side, which can provide this region and the entire nation with the most active and deepest container terminal any can provide. ‘We have asked for R1billion in the capital budget to enable us to achieve these targets. The cost, I agree, is high. But the returns will be there. Not only East London, but the entire nation will benefit if we can achieve these growth targets. And it can be done. “It’s my vision for an East London harbour that can challenge the best. With our high level of service and the enthusiasm which exists at all levels of staff, it can be done if the finance is forthcoming and industry as a whole sees the opportunity on offer here on the Eastern seaboard.”