All that is needed is sufficient critical mass to take it forward
OUTGOING PORTNET managing director Rob Childs says the company is ready to start building on the Coega harbour - once it has a customer.
Reacting to government's recent announcement of a draft agreement which involves the development of a stainless steel plant in the Coega industrial development zone, Childs said "the announcement is only one of a number of ideas which are being explored for the proposed Port of Coega.
"Although we were not directly involved in these negotiations, we are aware of them.
"Portnet has completed all its preparatory work and planning on this project and we are basically ready to go ahead. All that is needed is sufficient critical mass to take it forward.
"We believe that the Port of Coega will eventuate and to this end we are in the process of appointing a full-time project manager to handle negotiations around a number of proposed developments," he added.
Asked whether the failure by Tsogo Sun to secure a casino licence for the proposed waterfront development in the Port Elizabeth harbour, he said "there remains a vision for the development of the ports and a waterfront for the Port of Port Elizabeth.
"Portnet is reconsidering the proposed Tsogo Sun site and a way forward is being developed.
"The redevelopment of the manganese terminal and the petrochemical tank farm is in the interests of all stakeholders, including Portnet, Transnet, the City of Port Elizabeth and the region as a whole. Portnet is committed to this process," he said.
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