‘Stand up and be counted!’ I refer to the article headlined ‘ CT proposes draconian rules to speed up import collection’. (FTW May 9, 2003). Here we go again, Transnet, SAPO and the NPA have made billions from the cargo owners/lines over the years and have just not invested in the port infrastructure. The port sells transhipments and the shipping lines take advantage of the competitive rates. Here we are sitting with a port(s) that is (are) totally out of control and gantries that are taken out for maintenance at peak periods. It is ironic that SAPO and the lines once again wish to hit the cargo owners with punitive charges and controls. The port is supposed to be offering a service, service? This is even after they have increased THC by close to 50% in the past two years. If one looks at the number of import full containers, in the bigger picture, it is a very small percentage; empties and transhipments make up the bigger percentage. Those cargo owners that take advantage of the free days should have their units moved off the port on the first ‘payment day’. SAPO over the years have almost encouraged ‘storage’ as it is a form of revenue, but when they are pressed, they change the rules to suit themselves and some time in the future will be rubbing their hands in glee with the additional income! Enough is enough. Cargo owners must stand up and be counted. Just a another chirp - the same goes for the lines - SAPO are their suppliers not ours, so why should we pay for the lines’ inability to get service from their suppliers? I do have sympathy for their plight and as cargo owners we need to assist them by pressuring Transnet and government, but we cannot concede to payment of surcharges. Colin Schultz, Sans Fibres.
