Work begins on Durban’s new MPT

TERRY HUTSON WORK ON the new 20ha MPT at Durban’s Point is due to begin this month. Concreting of the cargo working area will be undertaken in stages, said acting port engineer Rajan Chetty, with each area entering service as it is completed. Phase 1 will involve berths C, D and E and should be completed by November this year, he said. Breakbulk cargo can then move across to this area from Pier One. F berth will follow with work operations completed by April 2006, followed by G berth which will be completed by August 2006. A new rail terminal for the MPT will be completed by mid 2006 along with the R27 million conversion of the Queen’s Warehouse as SA Port Operations’ new MPT headquarters. However strong concerns have been expressed at the expected increase in road traffic once the new Point MPT opens for business. Currently all road traffic for this area enters via the renamed Victoria Embankment road. Existing congestion along this busy thoroughfare is likely to be exacerbated by a planned new parking garage for the Durban Car Terminal, which lies adjacent to the MPT. The garage, with 4 200 parking bays, will be a dramatic increase on the number parked at the terminal. The project is currently awaiting funding but will be required in time to cater for Toyota’s expanded export programme.