The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says it will invest at least R16 billion on infrastructure development at ports in the Western Region over the next seven years

Over the next seven years, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says it would spend at least R16 billion on Western Region port infrastructure development.

The ports of Mossel Bay, Saldanha, and Cape Town are located in the area.

Advocate Phyllis Difeto, the TNPA’s managing executive for the Western Region, stated that the investment is a sign of the authority’s dedication to the future planning and efficiency of South African ports.

“Our capital investment plan shows our dedication to putting our 2021-launched Reimagined TNPA operating model into practice.

We deliberately give capital projects that will expand capacity a higher priority while also attending to the urgent requirements necessary to boost port productivity, according to Difeto.

The investment will be divided into the following parts:

For developments at the Port of Mossel Bay, including the deepening of the port and Quay 4, as well as the extension of the breakwater, R2.2 billion will be invested.

In Saldanha, R 8.4 billion will be spent on projects including the extension of Berth 205, berth building for the second phase of mining development, renovation of the main breakwater, and causeway rock revetment.

At the Port of Cape Town, R5.5 billion will be spent on several projects.

Thecla Mneney, general manager of TNPA Infrastructure, claimed that a revitalized, dedicated strategy had been implemented to enhance the ports.

As we narrow our attention to the deliverables for capital investments, we recognise the historical under-expenditure.

We’ve implemented a new strategy for project execution because of this, Mneney stated. “Through involvement in CAPEX War Rooms, we ensure that all hands are on deck from the project sponsors, engineers, and support teams.

The Western Region Ports are anticipated to receive at least R452 million in funding for the current fiscal year, according to TNPA.

“At the Port of Mossel Bay, some of the major capital projects include the sheet pilling of Quay 3 and the renovation of the slipway facilities.

The Port of Mossel Bay’s R10.2 million port infrastructure development plan for 2022–2023 includes these important projects.

“The installation of perimeter fencing, the provision of bulk power, and the purchase of a tugboat are among the major projects scheduled for the Port of Saldanha in 2022–2023.

These will result in R182 million in capital expenditures for the port in 2022–2023.

“The Port of Cape Town will get a substantial R260 million capital program in the current fiscal year, which includes the purchase of a helicopter and the replacement of two tugboats.

The port’s seven-year initiative includes Phase 2 of the Cape Town Container Terminal development and the purchase of 10 dry dock cranes, according to the authority.