Port offers land lease opportunities

PLENTY of interest is expected to be shown at a public meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) in the Port of Richards Bay, with leasing of land for future development in the offing.

Transnet National Ports Authority earlier this month advertised the tendering of lease applications for various premises within the port. The process prescribed by section 56 of the National Ports Act, 2005 applies to all agreements that TNPA concludes, and that spectrum covers, among others, new developments/concessions, commercial leases of land and premises owned and controlled by TNPA.

Documents will be accepted at Tuesday’s compulsory tender briefing and site inspection, where any queries will also be addressed.

According to TNPA’s notice, only bidders with a minimum BBBEE level 4 need apply, while further recognition will be given to new entrants and applicants who have a minimum of 51% black ownership.

‘The Port of Richards Bay continuously strives to provide capacity ahead of market demand and uses its Land Use Plan together with the national Port Development Framework Plan in terms of the National Ports Act to inform the process by which land is identified for future development,’ said Khanyisile Buthelezi, TNPA Regional Manager: Legal Services.

‘In accordance with Section 56 of the Act, Transnet National Ports Authority is obliged to follow a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective process when inviting interests for the leasing of port land and sites.’