Questions about TNPA administration building

Concerned taxpayer, writes:

With regards to the media statement by TNPA that appeared in the Mossel Bay Advertiser on 8 November:

Please note there is no malicious intent but clarification is needed on these issues for the purpose of clear transparent governance.

The Ports Authority has now finally admitted in its media statement that the Mossel Bay Waterfront Company has been allowed to occupy state-owned property without signing a lease agreement, paying a deposit or paying rental, which is highly irregular.

Nowhere in the Government Lease Manual is beneficial occupation allowed for this period of time.The loss of rental income is now well over a million rands and the managers responsible for this should be held personally accountable.

With the consent of TNPA, the lessee was also allowed to obtain a liquor licence, sublet parts of the property, charge membership, slipway and mooring fees and sell mooring rights.

Surely this considerable income should go towards paying the due rental and outstanding rent not paid since February this year, as the taxpayer cannot be expected to subsidise a private company?

TNPA is merely the lessor of the premises. Or is it a shareholder or part of The Waterfront Company?

Could it also please be explained why the new additions to the administration building in the Port of Mossel Bay is still not completed after four years. Is there any truth in the rumours that the initial contractor was paid upfront and disappeared with the money?

The incomplete building is an eyesore for proud Mossel Bay residents and visitors to our town. Isn't this a reflection of poor management on the side of TNPA, not to mention the inconvenience to the public and workers inside the harbour area of not being able to use the Bland Street entrance gate because of the incomplete building.

Please, I say again, note that the above is merely out of concern for the taxpayer and no harm to anyone is meant by this. I know there are many more who have questions for TNPA's management regarding incompetent decisions made by them.

Transnet National Ports Authority responds: The extension of the Port of Mossel Bay’s administration building project is expected to be completed in early 2020.

TNPA has endeavoured to keep the public updated through proactive updates issued to the Mossel Bay Advertiser. The last article on this issue was published on 8 March 2019, “Work Resumes on Harbour Administration Building”.

Construction initially began in September 2015, but stalled due to performance issues with the original contractor. RUWACON (Pty) Ltd was later appointed after a second open tender process.

The extension entails creating additional office space to cater for new employees. An entrance foyer, which was not previously part of the administration building, will be added to accommodate clientele.

A new glass lift will also be installed in the building to cater for people with physical disabilities. These modifications will provide port users with a more public-friendly building.

The project is also creating opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals and undergraduate engineers.

Apart from creating 55 job opportunities during the construction project, RUWACON has committed to cover training in fields such as plumbing, electrification and safety, as well as provide bursaries in fields such as civil engineering and quantity surveying.

The beneficiaries include black women and youth. Bursaries were also afforded to candidates from the National Institute for the Deaf to pursue studies in Community House Building.

Our administration building project is an important one for our port to effectively provide an efficient service and we are pleased that RUWACON has ensured it creates benefits for our surrounding communities as well.

NOTE: Correspondence on TNPA Mossel Bay harbour premises is now closed. - Editor