Terry Hutson
THE PORT of Durban is set for a R1,345 billion revamp.
This is the sum which has been made available for an immediate start to the redesigning of container handling areas and the redevelopment of the old Point docks between sheds D and G.
The redevelopment will involve a new quay wall adjacent to the existing berths but further out into the bay, providing not only deep water berths but also the required stacking space for modern cargo handling.
This is to facilitate the transfer of the Combi Terminal on Pier 1 to the Point and the absorption of the pier into the existing container terminal, dramatically increasing Durban's container capacity to 1.5 million TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units) a year. The money made available will cover the cost of new quay walls, new cranes and crane line works on Pier 1 to handle the additional infrastructure. Several buildings on Pier 1 will probably have to be demolished or relocated to make way for container stacking.
Transnet has promised a R4,5 billion a year expenditure programme over the next 4 years, according to Mafika Mkwanazi, the company's new managing director. This is expected to restore South Africa's transport and logistic systems to international standards, after an extended period of under spending. Of the R4 billion set aside for capital expenditure for the year 2000/2001, Transnet had only used about R730 million at the half-year stage, but has said he is confident that the balance of R3m will be taken up by the April year-end.
In addition to the redesign of the Port of Durban, R1,65bn has been set aside to build a new port at Coega, where roadworks were due to begin this month (January). A substantial amount has also been allocated for new infrastructure at the ore port of Saldanha.
Spoornet will receive R1bn annually including much needed upgrading to both the Sishen and Richards Bay ore and coal lines. However, both these projects are dependant on the privatisation issue, and should the government decide to sell or concession the two money-making lines, then the money taps will in all likelihood be turned off.
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