South Africa’s Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has claimed that Transnet has gradually resumed operations at the Port of Durban on the morning of 13 April, “with ongoing risk assessments being undertaken to ensure the safety of employees and infrastructure”.
Operations underway this morning in Durban following yesterday’s floods. #KZNFloods pic.twitter.com/fZIVqnVLNz
— Transnet Port Terminals (@TPT_Transnet) April 13, 2022
In Richards Bay, operations of the state-owned Transnet are not suspended but the terminals are operating less efficiently, with challenges experienced in handling wet cargo, according to DPE’s statement.
After severe flooding that has severely impacted the city and the port of Durban, DPE said that priority interventions, in collaboration with the eThekwini Municipality and Transport Authority, include repairing Bayhead Road, which is the main access road to the container terminals at the port and Island View.
DPE added there will be investigations for alternative access roads into the port while Bayhead Road is being repaired.
Additionally, Transnet Freight Rail is carrying out ongoing assessments on the rail network in Durban and surrounds to determine the extent of damage before any train services into and out of the port can resume.
The North Coast, South Coast and mainline from Durban to Pietermaritzburg remain closed.
🔴SOUTH AFRICA: #VIDEO DEVASTATING FLOODS IN #DURBAN CITY & SURROUNDING AREAS!
At least 259 people killed, after hillsides were washed away, homes collapsed due to heaviest rains in 60 years. #BreakingNews #eThekwini #Flooding #Inundacion #Inondation pic.twitter.com/a6jV9GCsat
— loveworld (@LoveWorld_Peopl) April 13, 2022
“The Minister of Public Enterprises remains in close contact with Transnet management and the board, receiving timeous updates on the status of operations, and providing the necessary support to ensure full operations can resume as soon as it has been declared safe to do so,” stated DPE.
Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, with Transnet Group Chief Executive, Portia Derby and Transnet senior leadership are currently at the Port of Durban today assessing operations following the destructive weather in the province in recent days. pic.twitter.com/Un7IWMT3dG
— Transnet SOC Ltd (@follow_transnet) April 13, 2022
