The idea is to build a purely industrial port at Coega, only twenty kilometres from the present port of Port Elizabeth Container handling could then be increased to between an estimated 450000 and 600000 teus annually by Terry Hutson Bold plans for building a possible new industrial port close to Port Elizabeth in Algoa Bay were recently unveiled by Portnet.
According to Portnet spokesmen a new industrial port would form part of a much needed growth strategy for the Eastern Cape, which was imperative for job creation and further industrialisation for the region.
The idea is to build a purely industrial port at Coega, only twenty kilometres from the present port of Port Elizabeth. This would allow the present P.E. harbour to become a clean cargo facility specialising in container and breakbulk traffic, while the existing manganese storage bins and petroleum storage tanks would move. Container handling could then be increased to between an estimated 450000 and 600000 teus annually.
If all this sounds outlandish, remember that the Eastern Cape has been earmarked by both central and provincial government as well as Transnet for expansion of industry and job creation. It also forms the backbone of ANC government support.
Local people are confident this is the only way for P.E. to go. According to local sources a number of new industries are in the pipeline. These include a rolled steel mill for the automotive industry to be developed by Murray & Roberts at a cost of R6 billion, a zinc smelter for Gencor costing R1,5 billion, a new fertiliser plant and a new R700 million cement factory for Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) at Grassridge near Coega.
Coega has large deposits of limestone which would provide for the cement industry for another 70 years. Limestone for PPC's factory at New Brighton is currently being mined near Loerie, west of Port Elizabeth but is expected to run out within the next three years, although other deposits are known in the area near Hankey some further distance away.
Coega is also close to existing road and rail links to Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal.
The proposed site has an extensive salt pan production plant occupying the river mouth, which would have to give way for any harbour development. An environmental impact assessment would also have to be undertaken, particularly in view of the adjacent St Croix Island, a known nesting ground for jackass penguins.
Portnet spokesmen say that the project costing R750 million could be up and running within two to three years of the go-ahead being given. Requirements are relatively simple, with a long finger jetty and quay being built in already existing deep water, although some dredging would be required.
