The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) will invest R233 million ($12.4 million) in road maintenance in key container handling port districts at the Port of Durban.
According to the port, the districts include the Container and Maydon Wharfs, as well as the liquid bulk Island View region.
The Port of Durban is an important contributor to the South African economy, processing over 60 per cent of the country’s total container tonnage.
The majority of container volumes handled reportedly pass through the port’s Southern Road Network, and the number of trucks entering the port has risen significantly over time.
The intensified surge has reportedly led to the deterioration of the overall road infrastructure.
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TNPA Port Manager for the Port of Durban, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, said: “Embarking on this road rehabilitation journey will ensure that we deliver on our mandate of providing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s efficient functioning as the economic gateway to our South African economy.”
The enhanced state of port roadways aims to have a significant influence on port operating efficiency and the smooth flow of traffic in the designated areas.
According to TNPA, the Maydon Wharf will be prioritised, with 16 roads scheduled for restoration, followed by Island View with three roads and two on Bayhead.
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The project scope includes fixing structural faults as well as restoring functional deficiencies such as surface drainage difficulties created by broken manholes and inlets caused by heavy vehicles.
TNPA noted that a traffic management plan has been developed to help redirect traffic flow during the two-year project implementation period.
