24 March 2023: Plans by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to redevelop the Point Precinct in the Port of Durban in support of the KwaZulu-Natal Port Master Plan have received motivation, says TNPA in a statement.
This development includes the construction of the Point Container Terminal to place the port as a competitive container hub port as well as the expansion of the Point Automotive Terminal, which has outgrown its landside capacity.
The National Ports Act’s requirements for providing infrastructure that is fit for purpose and managing business costs, allowing economic growth, and ensuring supply security are all met by the Point Precinct redevelopment.
The Act specifies the role and responsibilities of TNPA, including the duty to plan, provide, maintain, and improve port infrastructure, as well as to update the port development framework plans for each port on a regular basis. In addition, the Act specifies that TNPA is responsible for ensuring that the infrastructure of ports is managed and maintained in a way that ensures efficient, safe, and orderly port operations.
The eThekwini municipality, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Growth Strategy, and the national economy all benefit when TNPA performs its role of enabling and facilitating the development of trade and commerce.
In November 2022, TNPA filed the Ocean Terminal Building Complex Demolishing Application to Amafa. This was followed by a public comment period to gather input from interested parties regarding the application for the demolition of buildings and structures in the Point Precinct.
In order to construct the planned automotive terminal capacities, the redevelopment of the precinct will necessitate the demolition of a number of buildings and structures. According to the National Heritage Resources Act and the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute (Amafa) Act, several of the structures and buildings must submit a demolition application to Amafa because they are over 60 years old. Amafa will then conduct a public hearing to receive comments, objections, and support.
The port will start with the plans for the demolition of the D/E, L, M, N Sheds, MHA Building, OTB, Durmarine Building, Schoeman’s bridge, and spiral ramp after Amafa decided positively to consider TNPA’s application and approve the demolition.
An environmental effect assessment procedure, carried out in stages over a year, will come before this. In April 2024, demolition is anticipated to start.
“We anticipate the creation of about 500 000 direct and indirect employment opportunities throughout the implementation of the Durban Port Masterplan developments, which will improve the lives and livelihoods of the economically disenfranchised people of South Africa. Based on six to eight members per family, the lives of three million people will be positively impacted,” says Port of Durban port manager Mpumi Dweba.
Photo: The Ocean Terminal Building. By – Durban Art Deco Society.