Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) will plough R233 million into a project to rehabilitate roads surrounding the Port of Durban.
The ports authority said in a statement on Monday that “intensified pressure” posed by an influx of trucks on the port’s road infrastructure had prompted its latest investment in the rehabilitation of roads in key container-handling port precincts in the city. These include the container terminals, Maydon Wharf and the liquid bulk Island View precinct to the south of the city.
Approximately 60% of the country’s total container volumes are handled at the port, with freight mostly transported via its southern road network, which has seen a growing number of trucks dependent on the routes. The intensified surge in traffic had led to the deterioration of the overall road infrastructure, said TNPA.
“Embarking on this road rehabilitation journey will ensure that we deliver on our mandate of providing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s efficient functioning as the economic gateway to our South African economy,” said acting TNPA Port Manager for the Port of Durban, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi.
TNPA said the improved condition of port roads would positively impact port operational efficiencies and the smooth flow of traffic in the targeted precincts. Maydon Wharf will take precedence, with 16 roads set for repairs, followed by Island View where three roads will be worked on, followed by a further two roads in the Bayhead precinct.
“In addition to repairing the structural defects, the restoration of functional defects such as surface drainage issues due to damaged manholes and inlets caused by heavy vehicles is included in the project scope,” TNPA said.
A traffic management plan has been crafted to assist with redirecting traffic flow during the project’s two-year implementation period.
