Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), a South African rail, port and pipeline company, has announced an investment of R233mn (approx. US$12.4mn) for the rehabilitation of key roads around the container handling port precincts of the Port of Durban
According to TNPA this investment has been prompted by an intensified pressure posed by an influx of trucks on the Port’s road infrastructure. With the Port recognised as a crucial contributor to the South Africa’s economy – handling around 60% of the country’s total container volumes – it was critical to address the issue of deteriorating overall road infrastructure with the influx of trucks only expected to increase.
Enhancing Durban Port infrastructure
Acting TNPA port manager for the Port of Durban, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, commented, “Embarking on this road rehabilitation journey will ensure that we deliver on our mandate of providing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s efficient functioning as the economic gateway to our South African economy.”
Specifically, work around Maydon Wharf will be prioritised with 16 roads identified for repairs. Then, three roads at Island View and two on Bayhead will receive treatment. Structural defects will be repaired and the work will also see the restoration of functional defects such as drainage issues. The project is expected to take two years to complete and, when done so, it will positively impact on port operational efficiencies as well as smoothing the flow of traffic into targeted precincts.
