Backlog of some 8000 containers at Durban port – Gordhan
Between 8000 and 9000 containers are still backed up at the Port of Durban as the city picks up the pieces following last week’s devastating floods.
Rail and port infrastructure was severely damaged and access to the terminals was affected when KZN experienced record-breaking rainfall.
Close to 450 people died in what has been described as the worst natural disaster in the country in recent years.
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan visited the port on Tuesday where he received a progress report from Transnet officials.
Gordhan told media at a briefing following his meeting with Transnet leadership that port officials were working around the clock to clear debris.
The containers that have accumulated could not be cleared quicker as a result of inaccessibility of the port by trucks and staff.
The backlog is expected to clear in a week.
“For each day that has passed since Saturday, between 40 and 60 ships have been dealt with both incoming and outgoing and that number continues to be improved upon each day.
“The ships that are bringing exports are being serviced and ships that are taking out exports including food items and fruits are also being serviced.”
Despite some setbacks, Gordhan gave an assurance that the port, which is one of the busiest on the continent, is fully functional.
“There will be gradual improvements where there are gaps in functionality but ships are coming in and ships are going out and the necessary work is being done by the ports authority to ensure that the harbour is in a state that be used.
“What we are doing at the moment the Transnet level is looking at contingency plans which will ensure that there isn’t a paralysis in terms of movements of imports and exports.”
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