Swaziland hosts largest abnormal load

Swaziland’s road system got a thorough workout when the largest abnormal load to pass through the country, according to the Ministry of Public Works and transport, used the kingdom as a short cut en route to a chemical plant in Sasolburg. Originating in Richard’s Bay, a Japanese-built 499- tonne wax reactor and quench tower arrived at Swaziland’s Lavumisa border in time for the crossing’s 7:30 am border opening, and departed at 5 pm the next day, Sunday January 23, at Mahamba Border Post. The cargo’s road transport travelled on two flat bed trailers with so many wheels they resembled centipedes. The 150 metres-long train moved at a languid 5 to 10 kph, escorted by police, support crew and an ambulance. From Swaziland, the reactor was scheduled to travel the N2 through Piet Retief to Ermelo, and pass through Leandra and southern Gauteng before arriving at Sasolburg.