Gama offers assurances on Coega

THE BUILDING of the new port at Coega will not stop development at either East London or Port Elizabeth and will play its own special role in South AfricaÕs industrial future, says National Ports Authority (NPA) ceo Siyabonga Gama. It will not deflect business away from either of the two ports, he says. Coega is intended as a catalyst that will encourage the relocation of industries to the Eastern Cape as well as encouraging the development of new industries, especially those involved in heavy industrial exports which could take advantage of a deep water port. The other two established ports should not fear losing business, however, he has emphasised. NPA will not stop development in either Port Elizabeth or East London, and fully intends proceeding with projects in hand and those on planning boards which will expand operations in both harbours.