Future of PE again under question

The decision by Transnet to position Ngqura as the hub port for South Africa creates a “major challenge – what to do with the existing port,” says Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor Biks Ndoni. Transformation of the port into a mixed-use waterfront is part of the “20/20” vision of the metro, and falls within the mandate of the Mandela Bay Development Agency, which is responsible for reviving the city centre of Port Elizabeth. The port was recently identified as the site for a casino and hotel development, but Transnet has said publicly that the land is not available for non port-related activities as the use is governed by the Ports Act. There is also growing pressure on Transnet to relocate its manganese terminal and a Shell-managed fuel storage facility in Port Elizabeth harbour to Ngqura. The fuel and gas tank farm is expected to be moved to Ngqura when a planned refinery comes on stream and the existing lease on the tank farm land expires in 2014.