WINDFALL for local businesses
NCT committed to sourcing materials locally as much as possible
WITH a 6 - 8 month time projection to restore its export conveyor system functionality, NCT will ‘think local’ in terms of its materials procurement.
Speaking to the ZO on Friday afternoon, NCT GM Danny Knoesen said some specialised equipment would have to be imported, but much of what is needed will be sourced locally.
“We will certainly give preference to local engineering companies and suppliers, especially given the way the local business sector has stepped in to assist us.
“There’s lots of work to be done, with plenty of damage to machinery and plant, but at the same time I am encouraged by how much can be salvaged – perhaps in the region of R120-million in value.”
Knoesen said damaged conveyor sections would have to be dismantled, stripped, regalvanised and repainted, and then reassembled with new idlers and belts. Fortunately, much of the infrastructure was undamaged
by the heat.
The pace of work at the site has been relentless since the blaze started around noon last Saturday, with the workforce increasing daily as more companies offer support in terms of manpower, equipment, resources and sustenance for the firefighters.
The aerial bombardment, which has seen water, foam and gel bucketing down onto the stockpiles since Monday, has played a major part in preventing the woodchip mounds of the neighbouring TWK mill from also catching fire.
They have been dropping loads at intervals of less than five minutes, and by Friday morning the two fixed-wing aircraft had consumed around 16 000 litres of fuel, while the three choppers on scene had used about 3 000 litres.