The Port of Ngqura’s container terminal (NCT) was closed this morning and was expected to remain closed until 3pm this afternoon.
This is according to a message sent out to the transport industry and seen by Freight News.
The SMS notification said: “Please be advised that NCT will close from 09h00 to 15h00 to allow for the disinfection of the entire terminal.
“This will apply to all areas – waterside, landside, gate and ancillary buildings.”
An informant who phoned Freight News about the development said it added to industry’s concern that what had happened in Cape Town, where the Western Cape’s alarming rate of Covid-19 infections was forcing port personnel to stay at home resulting in throughput delays, could happen elsewhere.
“If infections spread and people start staying at home because of the virus it could have a massive effect on our ports.”
The source said it was of crucial importance that freight concerns and all related companies working in South Africa’s supply chain industry took note of what was happening.
“Curbing the spread of the virus through closing our ports and telling staff living in hot spot areas not to come to work could have wide-spread ramifications for the freight industry. We need well-trained people to operate facilities but we also need to consider health and safety.”
