THE AMOUNT allocated for Durban is R308m, which will include the new car terminal presently under construction at Cato Creek. This facility is due for completion in December this year, and will ensure that the port remains a major hub of the import and export of motor vehicles, in addition to being available as a hub centre for transhipments.
NAAMSA (National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA) has indicated that they expect an annual throughput of 48 500 vehicles this year, rising to 56 000 for 1998, 76 000 by 1999 and 85 000 by 2000.
Other areas where expenditure has been allocated include a new floating dock to replace the existing dock that has been in service in Durban since the 1930s. Portnet is presently looking at Hong Kong and a few other places to obtain a slightly-used dock.
A small amount has been allocated for preliminary investigation into a new container terminal - should the go-ahead be given to build a new terminal on Pier 1 and at Salisbury Island, as has been tipped, a further allocation will become necessary.
Road hauliers will be pleased to hear that a buffer zone for storing trailers for the container terminal will be constructed, and money has also been earmarked for very necessary improvements to road services in the Bayhead area.
Covered storage at B and C sheds will fill the needs expressed by steel exporters for improved facilities at the City Terminal. Other improvements to the City terminal include upgrading the paved areas.
Various cranes are included in the budget; two additional gantry cranes for the container terminal to add to the two recently received, one crane for the dry dock, while one of the floating cranes is to be replaced and two tugs will receive mid-life refits. A further tug will be ordered but expenditure will be spread over several years.
Major upgrading of fire protection facilities at Island View are included.
In addition R96m will be spent on marine services, R98m on lighthouse services and R2m on dredging craft. As in the past most of the capital expenditure will be on upgrading existing port facilities, along with marine requirements.
