INADEQUATE HARBOUR and rail infrastructure is proving a serious handicap to the country's chemical industry and, in particular, its services to the agricultural sector, the Fertilizer Society of South Africa was told by a leading importer at its congress recently. The country's rail network is creating a logistical nightmare for importers, said Rod Humphris, chief executive of Omnia. In the past the fertilizer industry had traditionally imported 300 000 tons of raw materials, but due to restructuring and plant closures, this had leapt to around 750 000 tons last year. Harbour and rail infrastructure could not cope adequately with the sudden surge in traffic, he said, causing major problems and late deliveries. Some business had to be moved to road he said, which added to the existing pressure on the network.
