Port regulator gears up for action

New authority to be up and running by third quarter LEONARD NEILL THE BOARD members who will make up the official ports regulator will be appointed by end July, and the new authority will be up and running in the third quarter of the year. This will pave the way for increased private sector involvement in South African ports, says Department of Transport spokesman Collen Msibi. The participation of historically disadvantaged groups in port operations is included in the framework of the National Ports Act – promulgated last year – which calls for the ports regulator to be established, he says. The regulator’s main function is to ensure fair access to ports, harbour facilities and services, and to monitor the activities of the National Ports Authority (NPA). This includes assessing the proposed annual tariffs. The regulator will also ensure that Transnet, which is the parent body of both the NPA and SA Port Operations (Sapo), does not enjoy an unfair advantage over other transport companies, he says. The regulator will investigate and adjudicate complaints and appeals lodged by port users or licensed operators against NPA decisions.