Transnet to plough millions into marina

Transnet is studying a multimillion-rand Port Elizabeth waterfront and marina project that could add thousands of jobs, while boosting the city’s tourism sector.

Initially, the project was mooted to be completed by 2014. This shifted to 2016 or 2017 and then 2019.

Now the talked-about date is 2020.

The delays are owing to the failure to relocate the fuel tank farm and the manganese ore dumps at the Port Elizabeth harbour to the Port of Ngqura, so as to free up land for the project.

The local business chamber has raised concerns about the postponements.

“Our big problem is speed. Yes, things take time, but the waterfront chapter simply takes too much time. The business chamber urges Transnet to expedite the move [of the tank farm],” says Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber president Ian Nicholls.

Port Elizabeth port manager Rajesh Dana said the waterfront development was part of the port’s R1 billion investment programme over the next seven years.

This will include the refurbishment of the 40-ton slipway, the replacement of leading jetties, the acquisition of two 70-ton bollard tugs, rail infrastructure upgrades, the marina commercial development and the construction of a new car terminal.

“We are confident the development will serve as a catalyst for significant growth for both domestic and international tourism. The recent growth in passenger liner vessel calls will also contribute positively to the city’s tourism industry,” said Dana.

Thousands of jobs would be created during the construction phase and after completion, but Transnet could not provide exact figures, Dana said.

“Feasibility studies for the entire project are being conducted, so we cannot say exactly how many jobs will be created,” said Dana, adding the same applied to the cost of the marina.

“We have not yet quantified that [cost], but it goes into millions.”

A number of funding options were being considered, he said.

More feasibility studies on tourism projections were due to be completed next year, and these would provide more “comprehensively informed projections”, Dana said.

He declined to disclose the cost of relocating the tank farm and the manganese ore dumps, as these costs were related to confidential agreements between Transnet and the terminal operators.

The waterfront project is expected to take place together with the construction of a car terminal.

“The development will include a host of public amenities, attractions, landmarks and rich architectural quality,” he said.

The development is aimed at serving and hosting public events and will cater to all income groups.

The key activities associated with the marina included yachting, sailing, angling, harbour tours and water sports.

“The project further embraces the mix-port development concept and will potentially include commercial, office, retail, leisure and recreational developments,” said Dana.

Nelson Mandela Bay municipality’s economic development and tourism committee chairman Andrew Whitfield said:

“We know that the implementation dates have been moved in the past, but we now hope Transnet will stick to its new dates and meet its commitments.”

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) CEO Mandlakazi Skefile said:

“We feel this development will bring something new. The city will have an additional tourism product to market. There will also be a dedicated cruise liner terminal and we expect this to boost tourism in the region.”

Last year alone, according to the latest NMBT performance report, the tourism industry in the region generated R7.3 billion, compared with R6.5 billion the year before.

“This includes both international and domestic tourists, and about 48 300 jobs were created. Although there was a decline in international tourists, this was offset by the average length of stay, which saw bed nights spent in Nelson Mandela Bay increasing from 644 778 in 2014 to 870 596 last year,” said Skefile.

The national figure for last year was R91.8 billion.

Volkswagen SA (VWSA), which is the main user of the car terminal, with 97% of its cars exported through the port of Port Elizabeth, welcomed the news of the development.

Matt Gennrich, VWSA spokesperson, said:

“Hopefully, with the proposed new car terminal, other car manufacturers can be persuaded to use the port of Port Elizabeth instead of the often-congested Durban facility,” he said.

There was great tourism potential should the waterfront development take place, he said.