By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The intensified pressure posed by an influx of trucks on the Port of Durban’s road infrastructure has prompted State-owned utility Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to invest R233-million on the rehabilitation of roads in key container handling port precincts – the Container and Maydon Wharf and the liquid bulk Island View precinct – in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Port of Durban is a crucial contributor to the South African economy, handling about 60% of the country’s total container volumes.
Most of the container volumes handled are moved through the Southern Road Network of the port.
The influx of trucks entering the port has substantially increased, leading to the deterioration of the overall road infrastructure.
Acting TNPA port manager for the Port of Durban, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, said that the Port of Durban is a crucial contributor to the South African economy, handling approximately 60% of the country’s total container volumes.”
Ben-Mazwi added that embarking on this road rehabilitation journey will ensure that they deliver on their mandate of providing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s efficient functioning as the economic gateway to our South African economy.
“The improved condition of port roads will positively impact on port operational efficiencies and the smooth flow of traffic in the targeted precincts. The Maydon Wharf will take precedence, with 16 roads set for repairs, followed by Island View with three roads and two on Bayhead.”
He said: “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.”
Ben-Mazwi added that a traffic management plan has been crafted to assist with redirecting traffic flow during the project implementation period of two years.