Port investments to boost Eastern Cape economy

The Eastern Cape is poised to benefit from several multi-millionrand port investments over the next few years to support efforts by government and the private sector to grow the regional economy, says Transnet Port Terminals’ Eastern Cape general manager Siya Mhlaluka. Four years of growth in volume handled by the port of Ngqura are an indication of the stimulus being provided to the local economy through investment in the harbour infrastructure. Ngqura’s growth comes at the same time as volumes through Port Elizabeth and East London are showing year-on-year increases. Growth is being driven by exports and transhipments, bulk coal and manganese, and growth in the local economy, he says. However, the most impressive growth has been in container volumes through Ngqura. “This encourages us to continuously invest in our employees through skills development, as well as infrastructure to boost the contribution by the ports to the mainstream economy,” he says. Ngqura is also contributing to job creation in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. The terminal has employed more than 500 people in its operations and support services. According to Khetho Nyawose, terminal manager, container sector, “Despite adverse weather conditions our operational performance has been growing year on year. " As part of ongoing investments the Ngqura terminal is taking delivery of two additional cranes and 18 rubber tyred gantries in the first half of 2014. East London has taken delivery of key equipment, which includes four forklifts and mobile cranes. This will enable East London to contribute in the mainstream economy, he says. One of East London’s milestones this year was to support the export of coal from the central Eastern Cape. According to the 2013 Transnet Annual Report, the group is gearing up to support the development of a “coal corridor” between East London and coal deposits in Molteno and Indwe, which are over 270 kilometres inland. Aim-listed Strategic Natural Resources (SNR) exported the first thermal coal shipment from its Elitheni mine at Indwe through East London in October 2013. Transnet National Ports Authority investment plans for East London include a R5.8 billion extension of the breakwater, entrance channel quays and services in East London. Transnet Port Terminals is also continuing its investment in the Port of Port Elizabeth, says Mhlaluka. The port has taken delivery of brand new forklifts to facilitate its breakbulk cargo handling capability. As part of strengthening leadership in the region, Nelisiwe Mbenekazi was appointed in East London as a terminal manager. INSERT & CAPTION Despite adverse weather conditions our operational performance has been growing year on year. – Khetho Nyawose