Truck nightmare continues
ONLY time will tell whether or not the various measures being implemented by Transnet will effectively reduce the coal truck chaos on the city's roads.
This as motorists were once again caught between queueing trucks on the John
Ross highway during the morning rush on Thursday, with some of the cargo-carrying heavy vehicles double parked on the busy route.
While it has become a never-ending nightmare for many, City of uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi says the municipality remains on the heels of Transnet and other stakeholders to stick to the promises made to address the chaos.
He said during a meeting with Transnet and the minister of public enterprises last year, several measures were put on the table to decongest the Port of Richards Bay and to reduce the number of trucks on the city’s roads.
These include the recommissioning of a conveyor belt affected by fire, addressing railway challenges, and the introduction of intelligent staging within the port.
“A response to a letter of the city’s demands sent to Transnet on 20 November 2023 was issued by Transnet nine days later.
“In the letter, Transnet, among other points, suggested the city’s introduction of a road levy or congestion surcharge. The city in its subsequent council meeting of 7 December resolved to levy a congestion surcharge against all truckers,” said Mayor Ngwezi.
“The matter was discussed with the acting CEO of Transnet, Ms Michelle Phillips and her delegation on 8 December, together with other critical interventions unfolding on the side of Transnet.
“At this meeting, the question of establishing a stockpiling siding before you reach the congested zone of the city was also discussed. The talks are ongoing,” he said.
The city, which had mulled legal action against Transnet and other stakeholders, says court action is pending.
Other developments
“Meanwhile, the municipality continues to monitor the interventions, most of which have time frames.
“It has to be factored in that, while the inconvenience caused by trucks is intolerable, the city has to give the Intergovernmental Relations Framework talks a chance as the Constitution clearly enjoins organs of State to approach a court as a last resort,” said the mayor.
Plans for a truck stop to ease traffic congestion are also progressing.
“The city’s initiative to authorise a truck staging facility along the John Ross highway will soon be realised, since the positive Environmental Impact Assessment report is being considered by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs,” said Ngwezi.
Meanwhile, Transnet revealed in November that they continue to work with the road carriers and the local municipality to reduce congestion.
"In this regard, the company is working on a plan to implement a last-mile strategy, where road carriers will haul cargo to inland terminals and Transnet conduct a shuttle service into the port.
"If successful, Transnet anticipates having the strategy operational by March," said chairperson of the board of directors, Andile Sangqu.