EL tops agenda in strategy to link rail and ports

Studies under way on major export and import corridors LEONARD NEILL TRANSPORT MINISTER Jeff Radebe has called for speedy results from the study of the transport corridor between Gauteng and East London, especially to assist in the movement of motor vehicles destined for export. It comes as the technical action group for logistics (Tag) comprising stakeholders in the automotive industry has engaged in an overall study into the performance of the main export and import corridors the industry uses. Earlier this year East London port authorities suggested a weekly container service to East London from Pretoria to boost their drive to encourage inland manufacturers, both vehicles and components, to make greater use of the port. But this service stalled when Safmarine’s scheduled calls at the port were changed from weekly to fortnightly. Now Radebe says his department hopes to remedy the situation, and not only for the benefit of the automobile industry, by developing a strategy linking rail and ports in which existing infrastructure can be fully utilised. The East London rail route is top of his agenda. “The objective is clearly to reduce unit costs at East London’s port facilities while also reducing the logistics costs and time involved between East London and Pretoria,” he said. “With this section of the transport system operating efficiently and profitably, it will assist in removing some of the congestion on the Durban-Gauteng corridor.” The East London-Gauteng study is expected to be completed by the end of the year.