Gama spells out allocation of R1,25bn port upgrade funds

Durban, Coega and Cape Town will get the lion's share THE NATIONAL PORTS Authority has set aside R1,25billion for infrastructure upgrading and developments for the coming year, and will require a total of R5,9billion for ongoing work during the next three years, says chief executive Siyabonga Gama. ÒHistorical and delinquent under-investment in port infrastructure in this country during the past 15 years has left us with no alternative but to call on this amount of money to meet our needs,Ó he told a recent JCCI breakfast gathering. The majority of this money will be used in Durban harbour expansions, Ngqura (Coega) development and expansions planned in Cape Town. R2,4billion will be spent in Durban, mainly on container handling and terminal expansion as well as the deepening of the breakbulk berths and new developments in the car terminal. Upgrading of Island View berths will amount to R150million. The Richards Bay phase V expansion programme will cost R320million, while two seven-series berths are also planned for the harbour. A new ship repair facility will also be built there. Additional berths will be provided in Cape Town while the car terminal berth in East London will be deepened. Five new tugs of at least 50ton ballard pull, which will cost R300million, will be purchased for various ports, while dredging replacements are under review. In addition new scanners for the major container ports are to be installed at a cost of R75million.