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Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) at the Port of Durban is addressing serious truck traffic congestion in the Bayhead Precinct of the Port of Durban which began on Tuesday, 26 November and has continued overnight and into the morning of Wednesday, 27 November.

TNPA has arranged the urgent deployment of the SAPS and Durban Metro Police and terminal operators to assist in alleviating the traffic backlog.

A significant number of employees working across the terminals and depots in the Bayhead and Island View Precincts reported being unable to access their work stations on time for duty. This has led to delays in landside operations which are now having a knock-on effect on waterside operations. In order to overcome this challenge and minimise the impact on operations, TNPA has deployed its waterside craft to ferry employees from the Point Precinct to the Bayhead and Island View Precincts.

TNPA has activated its Business Continuity Plan and will keep shipping clients and terminal operators updated regularly around efforts to normalise operations.

Transnet is also aware of an electronic message circulated by transport companies this week calling for a boycott of the Durban Harbour and urging truckers to park off at their depots from 06h00 on Thursday, 28 November until 18h00 on Monday, 2 December.

Such blockades at the Durban Container Terminals limit access to both Bayhead and Langeberg roads. This impacts the receiving of trucks and landside operations, disrupts economic activity, frustrates neighbouring communities and threatens jobs. Transnet has been working closely with industry bodies to address valid issues raised but appeals for transport companies to engage through the appropriate channels to remain up-to-date on ongoing mitigation measures implemented by Transnet and the progress thereof.

Issued by Transnet National Ports Authority