Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have requested that, where possible, all road freight movements towards the Port of Durban be suspended or withheld until the situation at the port has improved.
In a statement released earlier this morning, the Road Freight Association said: “There are already long queues of trucks along the N3.
“The Mariannhill plaza has a backlog of 10km all the way to Hammarsdale, and the problem is that (according to the Road Traffic Inspectorate) the local communities are now targeting trucks.”
This involves, among other perpetrations, looting cargo from transporters.
The RFA said: “Access roads around the port have been damaged, container yards, truck depots and trucks themselves have been flooded and damaged, and the area is really a disaster at the moment.
“Logistics operations will be impacted; there will be delivery disruptions for goods being imported.”
The RFA has advised members to delay any departures towards Durban, and to find depots and safe parking areas along the way.
Where possible, members of the association have been requested to assist each other to get any vehicles off the road and to secure holding areas until the logistics chain is up and running again.
No foreseeable shortages in foodstuffs and fuel are expected.
