By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) will be investing R16.1 billion on infrastructure development at the ports of Mossel Bay, Saldanha and Cape Town for the next seven years.
This is part of the TNPA’s strategic repositioning of its Western Region ports to efficiently facilitate trade and create much-needed jobs, amid rife unemployment.
TNPA Managing Executive for the Western Region, Advocate Phyllis Difeto, said the investment is a demonstration of the authority’s commitment to planning for the future of South African ports and for ensuring efficiency at these ports.
“Our capital investment plan demonstrates our commitment to the operationalisation of our Reimagined TNPA operating model that was launched in 2021. We are intentional about prioritising capital projects that will create future capacity, whilst not neglecting the immediate needs required to enhance port efficiencies,” Difeto said.
The investment will be broken down as follows:
°R2.2 billion to be invested at the Port of Mossel Bay for projects, including the deepening of the port and Quay 4, as well as breakwater extension.
°R 8.4 billion to be invested at Saldanha for projects, including the extension of Berth 205, berth construction of the ore expansion phase 2, as well as the refurbishment of the main breakwater and causeway rock revetment.
°R5.5 billion to be spent at the Port of Cape Town on several projects.
TNPA Infrastructure General Manager, Thecla Mneney, said a revived, committed approach has been taken to improve the ports.
“As we sharpen our focus on capital investment deliverables, we acknowledge the historical under-expenditure. It is for this reason that we have adopted a fresh approach to project execution, an approach that ensures all hands on deck from the project sponsors, engineers and support teams through participation in CAPEX War Rooms,” Mneney said.
According to TNPA, at least R452 million is expected to be spent on Western Region Ports in the current financial year.
“At the Port of Mossel Bay, some of the key capital projects include the slipway facility refurbishment and Quay 3 sheet pilling. These key projects form part of the Port of Mossel Bay’s R10.2m port infrastructure development plan for 2022/23.
“The implementation of capital projects planned for the Port of Saldanha for 2022/23… includes the acquisition of a tugboat, installation of perimeter fencing and provision of bulk power. These will derive capital expenditure of R182m for the port in 2022/23.
“In the current financial year, the Port of Cape Town will see the delivery of a robust R260 million capital programme, comprising the procurement of a helicopter and the replacement of two tugboats. Phase 2 of the Cape Town Container Terminal expansion and the acquisition of ten dry dock cranes form part of the port’s seven-year programme,” the authority said.
This week, Transnet Freight Rail lifted the force majeure on coal exporters and vowed to fulfil its commitment to continue providing transportation services to the coal export parties, after months of an embargo.