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BL Premium reports that Transnet is considering opening the door to companies to second mechanics at the dysfunctional Port of Cape Town.
This is to help speed up repairs of critical equipment and avoid an escalating logistics crisis that threatens exports. The dysfunction has made the harbour one of the world’s worst underperformers, costing billions in lost fiscal revenue. “Transnet is considering allowing the private sector to second its people to fix equipment at the Port of Cape Town,” Transnet indicated after a meeting with fresh produce industry leaders. Transnet and fresh produce industry leaders issued a joint statement on Tuesday, mapping a way forward to address the port’s challenges. It advised: “Industry also agreed to investigate mechanisms to contract and second maintenance capacity [mechanics and millwrights] and to investigate ways to fast-track the procurement of key pieces of equipment ... The cost and contractual arrangements for Transnet to use and reimburse such procured equipment need to be resolved.” The crisis comes at a bad time for the deciduous fruit export sector, which is ramping up for its export season. Long waiting times harm the quality of fruit sent to markets abroad, cutting growers’ returns. The Western Cape accounts for more than half of SA’s agricultural exports.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Michelle Gumede at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page