Namibian transporters want backloads THE INCREASED viability of the TransKalahari Highway depends largely on the support given by Gauteng exporters to the port of Walvis Bay. If more Gauteng exporters used the port, their cargo would offer backloads to delivery vehicles from Namibia which are currently returning empty. This is the opinion of Sebby Kankondi, chief executive of Namibian Ports Authority (Namport). The Highway, with its support from the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, has proved successful since it was opened four years ago. But Namibian transporters need the support of South African manufacturers to make the route more cost-effective. Currently steady convoys of Namibian-based vehicles convey cargo, mainly in containers, from Walvis Bay to Gauteng, but many of them are forced to return home empty. Namport’s success in being voted the best of Africa’s 26 port authorities two years ago speaks for itself, says Kankondi . “It shows that Walvis Bay can provide efficient and speedy service at the highest level and meet the needs of South African exporters.” At the same time the agreement reached between the customs authorities of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia to put in place on August 1 a single document which allows seamless movement of goods through the three countries should be a big inducement to South African exporters to use the service available, he said. A major conference is being planned by Namibian government officials to be held in the Botswana capital of Gaborone shortly where the value of using the route will be outlined to leading South African exporters and manufacturers.
