Alternative solutions sought as cut-off date looms, writes Alan Peat
DESPITE EXTENSIVE circulation of a Spoornet release that the Durban/ Port Elizabeth rail equalisation concession will be withdrawn on April Fools Day - it might not!
When FTW received the release, we questioned those who might be
affected.
Shippers and importers have re-routed extensive volumes of traffic, road transporters have allocated services, and shipping lines have changed fleet schedules to include PE calls. All because congestion at Durban saw Transnet promoting PE as an alternative pressure-release valve.
But, while March 31, 2000 has always been the stop-off date, the shipping lines were under the impression that the situation would be kept under review. A bald Spoornet statement that the concession will be withdrawn - and without any prior discussion - was a shock.
But, said Spoornet business manager, Christelle Rentsch, the date still stands - but it is not fixed.
Spoornet and Portnet are still discussing the situation, she told FTW, and a Transnet committee - on which she sits - is analysing it.
We are looking at what the impact will be....and all the situations are being addressed, Rentsch said.
Nothing has been finalised, she added, but you might find something which offers a less general concession.
A different scenario might finally be decided.
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