By Lynn Bolin

The South African government, through parastatals such as Transnet and Spoornet, the national railways group, was committed to improving the efficiencies and costs of the country's transport system, according to Public Enterprises Minister Jeff Radebe, who is also acting Minister of Transport.

Briefing journalists on the government's outlook for 2004 at Parliament, Radebe said Transnet's spending on infrastructure to improve the efficiencies of Spoornet's rail network was set to rise substantially as part of the government's 100 billion rand five-year infrastructure spending plan, and government in general would be supporting the initiative to ensure the country's transport logistics were made "even more efficient" so that the transport sector responded to the growing South African economy.

The country's transport infrastructure continues to be criticized for its high costs and inefficiency from many fronts, with some companies opting to move their export logistics to Maputo after recent improvements at that port and connecting rail network, and away from Durban and Richards Bay.

Commenting on these developments, Trade and Industry Minister Alec Erwin told the briefing: "It is not surprising that Maputo port is attracting more clients, and we want to see it improve. It is perfectly natural and correct, and is a healthy development."

"Durban continues to be the biggest, busiest port in Africa, and all issues are discussed between Spoornet and its clients," Radebe added. "But as government we have been discussing how to accelerate the concessioning of the Durban Container Terminal. Also, Spoornet plans to acquire more locomotives and wagons, as well as upgrade the rail infrastructure."

I-Net Bridge 13 February 2004