Extension could be complete by 2000 A PLAN to expand the existing East London harbour at a cost of R700-million, which would offer vast new industrial possibilities to the region, has been tabled in a detailed feasibility report commissioned by Portnet.
According to Phillip Pratt, Border Metropolitan Development Corporation's project manager, who has been entrusted with the task of overseeing the Portnet study, the harbour extension could be completed by June 2000 if given the go-ahead soon.
At the same time an additional plan to provide short term bulk cargo facilities at the S&T berths at around R250-million could be completed by July 1999.
Portnet commissioned Watermeyer Prestedge Retief and Entech Consultants, in association with the environmentek division of CSIR to prepare the report, which endorses the central government's spatial development programme, which has identified the Eastern Cape, with particular reference to East London's West Bank, as one of its focal points for industrial development.
Portnet has looked at the extension of the present harbour, the only river port in the country, as well as the possibility of building a new harbour to the south of the city at Fuller's Bay.
Time factors, costs and geographical situations are thought to be the decision makers in selecting the extension of the present harbour as the best route, says Pratt.
A new harbour at Fuller's Bay could cost as much as R1 162-million and would not be completed before mid-2001 if started now.
By Leonard Neill
