TRUCK PLEDGE
All hands on deck to boost port efficiency
PROMISES have been made to address a myriad of challenges crippling operations at the Port of Richards Bay.
While the local port says its current systems to ease congestion are bearing fruit, President Cyril Ramaphosa has given port management orders to improve efficiency and reduce the number of trucks on the road.
This, along with a vow to probe capabilities of personnel at all State-owned entities, including Transnet.
Ramaphosa led a delegation to the Port of Richards Bay last week, which included KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan.
The visit was to assess the state of the port and efforts under way to address truck backlogs amid a number of other challenges.
Speaking to the media, President Ramaphosa said some of the challenges emanate from ‘past incapabilities, ageing equipment, and machinery that has not been maintained’.
“They have a lot of challenges, but I am pleased that they have a roadmap that will help resolve them,” he said.
“I do believe that, in a while, we are going to be getting rid of the truck backlogs on the road.
“In the end, we want the trucks off the road and the products that have to be exported, onto rail. We are working towards that plan.”
It was revealed that
Transnet has put in place a short-term plan to ramp up operations on the northern corridor, including the injection of four additional locomotives by the end of November; an increase in the length of trains from 40 to 50 wagons; and the return of a conveyor belt at the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal by December.
The president said plans for this precinct are of 'high quality', with investments of up to R160-billion.
“Through the diagnostic process that Transnet has gone through, we are going to step up.
“I have made it clear to the management that I want to see all the problems solved and by early next year, before the end of the first month, we must see some improvement,” said Ramaphosa.
In the end, we want the trucks off the road and the products that have to be exported, onto rail. We are working towards that plan