The City of Cape Town has welcomed Transnet’s latest move to seek private sector partners for the Port of Cape Town, saying the planned concession could improve efficiency, strengthen trade and support thousands of jobs across the Western Cape, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the request for proposals marks the type of reform the City has long supported. Transnet is inviting private operators to redevelop and manage the port’s multipurpose terminal under a 25-year concession.
‘We welcome Transnet’s call for private sector partners to upgrade and operate the multipurpose terminal at the Port of Cape Town. This is exactly the major reform we in the City have long been calling for,’ said Hill-Lewis.
He said a more efficient port would create opportunities for businesses and workers across the region. ‘A more efficient port means more job-creating economic growth for Cape Town. We are optimistic about an economic boost for our region due to greater private sector involvement at the port, as well as Transnet’s R3,4 billion in capital investments to improve operations.’
The announcement follows recent requests for private sector proposals covering the port’s liquid bulk and cold storage terminals.
Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth Alderman James Vos said businesses, exporters and investors consistently identify port performance as one of the Western Cape’s biggest economic constraints.
‘Cape Town should have one of the most efficient ports on the African continent. We believe that with continued reforms, Cape Town’s port can become a competitive advantage rather than a bottleneck that constrains growth,’ he said.
According to research commissioned by the Western Cape Government, a more efficient Port of Cape Town could unlock about R6 billion in additional exports, support almost 20 000 jobs and generate more than R1,6 billion in additional tax revenue.
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Transnet reports major operational strides at the Port of Cape Town
Picture: ER Lombard / Gallo Images
Angelica Rhoda
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