Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba said that the government would invest R3 billion in the Richards Bay Terminal in the next five years.

The money would be invested in loading equipment, off-loading equipment, conveyor belts and other handling equipment. Mr Gigaba said that “An efficient port system enhances our national reputation… creating competition and choice for shippers.”

The terminal contains 21 berths for loading and off-loading ships.

Mr Gigaba said infrastructure roll-out was pivotal to stimulating the economy and creating employment. He added that “Infrastructure development is vital for industrialization… and it is vital for the establishment of social cohesion through facilitating shared growth and the sharing of wealth.”

The coal terminal section would also be expanded.

He added that “We intend expanding the coal export line to over 81 million tons per annum by 2016. This expansion will involve the migration of Eskom’s domestic coal from road to rail, the establishment of the Waterberg rail, port expansion and capacity allocation to junior miners.”

(Sourced from www.iol.co.za)