High costs delay CT fruit store

Building to begin in May Ray Smuts EVER-SPIRALLING building costs have delayed National Ports Authority’s plans to build its first fruit holding store in Cape Town’s multi-purpose terminal. MPT manager Oscar Borchards says building costs have escalated by at least 22% since the last budget was approved, which explains why the R4 million project has been slightly delayed. “We now anticipate building will get underway at E-berth around May for completion within six months.” As to other budgeted expenditure - R2 million in respect of eight forklifts - he says the option of leasing rather than purchasing such new equipment is being considered and the status of existing equipment is being “reviewed”. What is certain at least for now is that there is no intention of replacing current equipment. Borchards has already intimated that stackers currently in use are not in good condition and will be removed at intervals for upgrading in order to extend their lifespan for a further three years. As to current activity within the MPT - an important component for fruit exports from the Port of Cape Town - Borchards says no major problems have been experienced thus far. Pressure is likely to “even out” by the latter half of April. MPT handles up to 4 000 containers a month and around 100 000 pallets during the peak period, which lasts for between eight and nine months of the year. Oscar Borchards . . . The status of existing equipment is being reviewed.