NPA offers assurance that PE won't be sacrificed to Coega

Ester Goosen . . . 'The Port of PE has specific clients that we serve and we will continue serving them.' Investment will continue Ed Richardson The existing port of Port Elizabeth will retain its car and fruit terminals, and will be the home of the region's fishing industry. That's according to Port Elizabeth port manager Ester Goosen, who says the National Ports Authority will manage the ports of Port Elizabeth and Ngqura some 20 kilometres away "to prevent duplication". Cargo such as manganese ore, liquid bulk and scrap steel might relocate, taking the current lease agreements into account, says Goosen. "The Port of PE has specific clients that we serve and we will continue serving them," she says. The NPA is continuing to invest in the Port Elizabeth harbour, she says. One of the major projects in the port this year includes its security upgrade. "This entails perimeter fencing on our borders, improved lighting, CCTV cameras and access control. The upgrade is part of a five year plan for the port," says Goosen. She says dredging and work on roads and rail infrastructure will start in 2003.