Transnet considers R40m generator

RAY SMUTS TRANSNET IS considering the purchase of a R40-million generator for the Cape Town container terminal in the wake of recent power outages in the Western Cape. As Koeberg nuclear power station grapples with technical problems which have contributed to the power crisis, the perishable fruit industry has been hard hit. Time-sensitive fruit requires constant temperatures to maintain its pristine condition and the power fiasco, which has also involved Eskom, certainly hasn’t helped the fruit industry – lifeblood of the Western Cape. What is more, some experts assert electricity problems are likely to extend to other parts of the country during the coming winter months while others suggest the power malaise could continue well into next year. “Eskom power outages costs us 21.5 hours at the container terminal in February alone - and SA Port Operations is going to have to look at a generator to operate the cranes and reefers when power is cut,” port manager Sanjay Govan told FTW.