Plans to revamp EL port, rail network
Plans to develop a waterfront at the East London esplanade, and expand the car terminal at the East London harbour to accommodate the needs of the new C-class Mercedes-Benz, are at an advanced stage.
Buffalo City mayor Xola Pakati made the announcement on Tuesday, following a meeting with senior Transnet officials.
Accounting officers of the metro, Transnet and the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), as the programme to revamp the capacity of the East London port and revive the rail network becomes a reality.
Transnet National Ports Authority acting CEO Nozipho Mdawe said in the short term the MOU would entail widening the entrance of the port, deepening the berth and establishing sub-committees that would study tourism, infrastructure and business.
Mercedes-Benz SA announced late in 2018 a new investment of R10bn to significantly expand the C-Class (W206 ) production plant and equip it for the future.
East London is the manufacturing base for the C-Class which is the top seller in the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Pakati said the memo served as a guide on how they would engage one another on the project aimed at developing the port and reviving “branches” in the rail network.
It is the first time that the three key stakeholders have announced a clear plan on these major projects which will help create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and boost and revive the economic potential of the metro.
Pakati admitted to the Dispatch on Tuesday that the port hadn’t seen any real investment in more than 50 years.
Pakati said key initiatives being taken into serious consideration, included: The deepening and expansion of the port entrance channel for larger vessels;
The development of a fully-fledged waterfront;
Expansion of the car terminal to accommodate the needs of the new W206;
Infrastructure to expand cruise ship tourism; and
Improved rail connectivity to Gauteng and Botswana to increase export volumes through the port. Mdawe said the authority sought to attract local and foreign investors with the IDZ and would also extend its capabilities in the automotive, manufacturing and agro-processing industries...
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