Ngqura on track despite cut-backs

The port of Ngqura remains on track to open in October this year, but investment in the next phases of the development has been put on ice until demand increases, according to Port Elizabeth and Ngqura port manager Ester Goosen. “Non-critical” projects on hold, totalling around R1-billion, include administration buildings, a dedicated tug quay and additions to the container quay. The budget for the port currently stands at R3.2-billion. The cuts have not affected investment in the six post-Panamax cranes – two of which are close to completion - three tugs which are being built in Durban, the control tower, and an administration block for Transnet Port Terminals. Work has already started on the lengthening of the container quay wall, and this will be completed in 2011. The first of the tugs will be in service by November or December this year, and the others early in 2010. According to Goosen, there has been a “sudden” drop of 44% in the volume passing through the port of Port Elizabeth due to the world economic downturn and a slump in the motor industry. No jobs will be lost because of the postponement at Ngqura, but staff lost through attrition will not be replaced, she says.