By Patrick Cull

In the strongest commitment to date that Transnet intends to upgrade the railway line between Coega and the Northern Cape.

Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin has told a media briefing that the industrial development zone will be linked with the Northern Cape.

Erwin was speaking before presenting his budget vote.

Last year, Transnet CEO Maria Ramos also hinted that the line would be upgraded following the visit of a Russian business delegation when Renova announced that it was undertaking a feasibility study for the development of a value chain comprising a mine and sinter plant in the Northern Cape.

A ferro-alloy smelter at Coega, and the export of bulk manganese ore through the new port.

Ferro-alloy production at Coega is a key target sector because of the comparative and competitive advantages that Coega and South Africa offer.

Erwin also said an announcement could be expected soon on a partnership for the construction of the container terminal at the Port of Ngqura.

This could include involvement in the operating, or building, or owning of the infrastructure at the container terminal.

Transnet confirmed in October that it planned to construct two additional container terminals and an administration craft basin for pilot and tug boats at the port.

The transport parastatal said at the time that it had completed a feasibility study for the extensions and would now seek environmental authorisation following the completion of a scoping report.

The work would involve the extension of the existing quay wall at the container terminal for two additional berths and container handling area.

A record of decision would be required for the construction of a basin for pilot and tug boats.

Erwin said yesterday the handling area would be big enough for about three million containers.

The target date for the opening of the terminal would be 2009.

The Port of Ngqura and adjacent IDZ, he said, would be a multi-purpose terminal that would handle container ships and be suitable for transshipment.

Erwin said he foresaw that the Port Elizabeth harbour would in the future be used largely for shipment of motorcars and fresh produce.

Eastern Province Herald and I-Net Bridge