Sandbank option scrapped DURBAN'S CONTROVERSIAL new container terminal has come one step closer to realisation following an agreement between Portnet and major stakeholders.
The long-drawn-out debate over the need for and siting of a new container terminal to absorb expected increases in volumes of containers handled, has been dragging on for over 18 months with extended Integrated Environmental Assessments and numerous counter-proposals. But at a meeting last week the Local Advisory Committee and Portnet overwhelmingly agreed to throw out any idea of using the sandbank as a new site.
It was pointed out that this option would have cost ratepayers and property owners a one-off loss of just on R50-million, with ongoing drops in rates and rentals of about R5-million a year if a busy terminal was placed right in front of prime commercial and residential property.
Although there has been no confirmation of where the new site will be, leading sources within Portnet disclosed to FTW that strong recommendations would be made to Portnet head office to have both Pier 1 and Salisbury Island developed almost immediately, subject to approval being granted. If the green light is given, the project will take place in two stages, with Pier 1's conversion into a dedicated container terminal as the first step. Work could commence early next year.
A cost in the region of R500-million for developing the new terminal has been mentioned.
This development has not ruled out any thoughts of building a totally new port south of Durban at Isipingo, on the land occupied by the present Durban International Airport. This is considered to be very much a necessity, and has already received the approval and support of local provinical cabinet downwards. The La Mercy Airport Initiative has talked about speeding up the airport's move to the new site north of Durban, and it is therefore possible that a start could be made on a new port as early as the year 2003 or 2005. The official date for the move to the new airport is 2007.
It is also likely that a smaller container terminal will be built at Richards Bay for possible transhipment and local cargo.
BY TERRY HUTSON
