Article Credit: News24
2019-06-19 06:00
Kailin Daniels
THE ambitious waterfront development in Port Elizabeth will be a long-term development, taking at least 28 years to be fully operational, Transnet port manager, Rajesh Dana, revealed last week.
According to Dana, during a TED (technology, entertainment and design) talk at the MyCityTalk event at the Boardwalk, phase one of the development will commence in 2022/2023.
“The decommissioning of the liquid bulk terminal will be completed in 2024/2025. Phase two is scheduled to start in 2027/2028,” Dana said.
Throughout the project, Transnet seeks to complete the integration and linkage with the city’s plans for the CBD rejuvenation.
“We will also link with the Baakens River, King’s Beach and Bayworld developments, the exciting developments for Happy Valley and those of Telkom Park. We would like to fully integrate with Route 67 as well,” Dana said.
Residents in Nelson Mandela Bay have been demanding that the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) remove the manganese ore dump and fuel tank farm in order to make way for a waterfront development. The relocation of the tank farm, however, is scheduled to start in the 2020/2021 financial year.
The PE Waterfront project is said to contribute in transforming the port into a ‘world class smart people’s port’ by ensuring:
. the achievement of the fundamental imperatives of a developmental state by promoting social inclusivity, alleviating poverty, facilitation of economic transformation by creating jobs and gender equality;
. to be a catalyst for sustainable economic development by providing for expansion and growth of existing and new businesses;
. the importance of a “people’s port” that accommodates the diverse people of the metro both culturally and economically;
. and to optimise the use of port land for a cleaner and greener development.
Dana added, “We need to create something that is unique in Nelson Mandela Bay. We need something that is attractive and sustainable.
“Those of you who have lived long enough in Port- Elizabeth will know what I’m talking about. The strategy is well-researched and developed. We will create a waterfront for everyone to enjoy.”
