More and more containers are
being purchased in South
Africa to use as storage in
areas such as Angola where projects
are on the increase.
According to Craig Lentz, freight
manager at Chavda Freight, the lack
of storage space at current projects
is resulting in containers from South
Africa going north to Angola.
“There has been a steep increase
in project cargo in countries such
as Angola due to the expansion
of their economy,” said Lentz.
“The mining industry is the main
contributor to the higher cargo
levels while there’s also an increase
in the export of tools and raw steel
from South Africa.”
According to Lentz, there has
also been a notable increase in
the export of perishable goods
to support the higher number of
people being employed to work on
the projects.
While volumes have been
consistently increasing, he said,
estimates are that in October and
November this year the highest
volume to date will be seen moving
into Angola, with a minimum of 20-
30 trucks entering the region.
But, he said, the inadequate road
infrastructure was a huge challenge.
“There have been major road
works in Lobito, making it difficult
to get cargo to the designated
project. The main area of concern
is in the north and the east of
Angola.”
Lentz said that despite the
challenges there were still many
opportunities in road freight in the
project cargo arena.
“Also, in terms of airfreight,
there are opportunities to get cargo
to areas that are not accessible any
other way,” he said.
CAPTION
Craig Lentz … ‘highest volume
expected in October and November.’
