‘Rust’ will take care of crane

I know there are many procedures involved prior to the removal of the smashed container crane that has been lying, in a crumpled heap, on the quayside in the harbour ever since it was blown over by the wind several months ago. Things like who was responsible, insurance assessors and claims all take time.

Initially I thought Portnet was following the NMBM example of simply allowing refuse and garbage to accumulate – like in the city’s streets, on the pavements and many other public places – until the wind either blows it all into the sea or it is allowed to decompose into piles of compost, readily available for any keen gardeners to collect.

But then I realised that, in reality, Portnet was way ahead already. Word has it that they are making use of something they call Recycling Used Steel Technology (Rust).

This is in fact a very old but well proven technology which allows metal to disintegrate by a natural process. No artificial additives are required and it definitely works.

There are many examples of how effective it is all over the city. The large mound of twisted metal that adorns the entrance of our harbour will simply disappear – at no cost to the taxpayer.

Rust, however, does have a few drawbacks. Firstly, it does not create many jobs. Secondly, it is a very slow process.

However, this latter issue is perhaps not so serious as so many other things occur so slowly in Port Elizabeth, for example, removal of the ore dumps, translocation of the tank farm, and renewing one’s driver’s licence at the traffic department, that this little irritation will hardly faze us.

So for those who drive past this novel adornment of twisted steel every day, be assured that nature is taking its course and that with the vigorous implementation of Rust, Portnet will have the quayside back in sparkling shape within two or three generations.