Erwin promises reduced port tariffs

Looking towards port users to assist with funding TERRY HUTSON FURTHER REDUCTIONS in port tariffs are on the cards. That was the message from minister of public enterprises Alec Erwin at the opening of SA Port Operations’ Durban Car Terminal last week. “We’ve given that promise to the president - we’ll improve revenue through increasing business in the ports, not through raising tariffs which must be lowered,” he said. Erwin also indicated that major changes to infrastructure procurement were on the cards. “Dr John van Zyl (head of Toyota SA) told me that this car terminal is already too small and I think he’s right,” said Erwin He pointed out that President Mbeki’s State of the Nation address had made it clear the country had to invest more heavily in energy and transport. “Our infrastructure must be bigger than our current needs,” he said to spontaneous applause. He promised that in five years South Africa would have a new and enhanced energy and transport system, pointing out that in Europe it was common for governments to pump money into their ports. “In South Africa we’ve gone a different, more difficult route of operating via the port authorities.” In another interesting development Erwin said he would be looking at closer co-operation from the city authorities. “We’ll be visiting each port to seek your assistance with investment in your ports.” He added that government would also look towards port users to assist with funding of the ports. “You can moan to me as much as you like (about the service levels), that’s okay, but also be prepared to pay,” he told port users. His department was frantically looking at how to improve the efficiencies at DCT and Cape Town and joint ventures with port users were the likely way forward. “We plan to have a well articulated master plan in place by 2005.”