Lines welcome revised Maydon Wharf plans

The FTW research for our coverage of the Maydon Wharf (MW) refurbishment issue has revealed that, in the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), right and left hands are ignorant of each other’s movements. For the story in last week’s issue (“Maydon Wharf worries”, January 10/17, 2014) we approached Zola Nkowane, TNPA’s senior operations manager for Maydon Wharf, to get her answers to these complaints. She more than obligingly promised us a response as quickly as possible (an unusual assurance in Transnet terms). But she did warn us that “procedures” would likely cause it to miss that week’s deadline. A day after her response arrived, we received a communication, the contents of which showed just how far apart those right and left hands were. Nkowane had addressed the refurbishment dates which had raised such ire amongst Maydon Wharf users. But somehow, during those press response “procedures”, someone else in TNPA had totally altered all the dates. Now, according to our source, these revised dates are the answer to the Maydon Wharf users’ prayers. But, at the same time, they showed just how much of a monumental mess-up Transnet can, and regularly does, make of its press relations. “The new plan seemed to go down well with the industry as it gives a little breathing space,” the contact told FTW. “The change now in black and white is that they are going to complete Berths 108-109 and the stacking area on Pier 1, then shift to Maydon Wharf.” The work on Berths 108 & 109 is due to start on February 17 and to be completed by June 30. This will then reopen these two berths to the container vessels – some of which would have been using the likes of Maydon Wharf for container loading. Also, TNPA has other plans to supplement the MW Berths during the construction period. Again on Pier 1 (New Pier), berth 100 will be utilised for fishing vessels, and 101–103 for commercial activity for “clean cargo”. But FTW was warned by Kevin Martin, chairman of the Durban Harbour Carriers’ Association (DHCA), there will be anything but an easy flow of the breakbulk freight vehicles on the New Pier. This area, he said, was being used by the contractors working on the harbour as a storage area, and the flow of construction vehicles was certainly smooth. “But,” Martin added, “it was easy enough for the gate guards to recognise the construction vehicles and wave them through. But when it comes to freight vehicles, they will have to stop and go through the usual checks. “And, with the number of breakbulk trucks you can expect, that is likely to be anything but a smooth flow. It will just add to congestion that already occurs quite a lot at Pier 1, and to the usual congestion on the Bayhead Road.” The TNPA also recognises the challenge of access through the container terminal, and its potential traffic flow constraints, Bayhead congestion and limited operational space. In an attempt to mitigate these problems, TNPA, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and affected terminal operators are to draw up a standard operating procedure (SOP), said to “ensure free-flowing traffic and minimum disruptions to other port activities”. Traffic management plans will also be amended by the terminals to align to the TNPA traffic management plan. TNPA also promises to heed the views of port users should any problems arise with the assurance it will “review and align specific proposals from engagement sessions”. • This article has been shortened due to space constraints. For the full version go to www.ftwonline. co.za and click on the ‘FTW continued’ menu item. INSERT These revised dates are the answer to the Maydon Wharf users’ prayers. CAPTION New plan for Maydon Wharf refurbishment allows some 'breathing space'. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl