MPT top management in the firing line

Port users have called for a change of top Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) management to replace the current men in charge of the Durban multi-purpose terminal (MPT) who are accused of being arrogant and having a total disregard for port users. Carl Webb, MD of Project Logistics Management and a member of the Road Freight Association (RFA) abnormal load team, told FTW: “TPT staff is clearly not properly managed, and port users are punished for this lack of management. “We therefore call on higher authority within TPT for a change of MPT management as they are clearly not able to manage the facility or their staff, which is affecting their clients and operations in the port. They have a total disregard for their clients and other port users and treat any queries of their decisions with disdain.” An initial complaint is that, despite promises at a previous meeting in May that TPT management was committed to consultation with the industry prior to the introduction of any further changes to systems or procedures that would affect port users, this has not happened. “We have since received notice of two further changes without any consultation with industry,” said Webb. “These being a ban on taking of photographs in the port, and a requirement for a booking for light delivery vehicles (LDVs) entering with dunnage or other equipment required. “Both of these changes affect our operational effectiveness, and the second requirement is also impractical.” Webb condemned the overall management attitude to any criticism or complaint from industry representatives. “This is demonstrated in the arrogant attitude displayed by MPT’s deputy director of operations, Saleem Peterson, at the May meeting – which laid down a rule banning private vehicles in the terminal area, and substituted these with walking or using an internal bus service. “He clearly stated that his decision was final and not negotiable, even after it was made clear that the basis of his risk assessment was flawed, and that pedestrian traffic posed an obviously higher risk than vehicular traffic.” This specific ruling has already displayed its faults, Webb added. “Our staff has reported numerous incidents where people have experienced near misses with port equipment whilst on foot. But, unfortunately, in most instances the people involved were not willing to provide information in order for us to submit reports.” “Things have reached such a stage that we have no option but to call for the change of MPT management.”