“THE Strategic Infrastructure Project (SIP2) is much more than the Durban dig-out port.”
That was the consensus at a South Durban Business meeting with Patrick Dorkin, the co-ordinator of the SIP2 KZN focus group within the Department of Transport at the SAPREF clubhouse on Thursday, 21 July.
SIP2 is part of a national infrastructure plan launched by the presidential infrastructure co-ordinating committee (PICC). There are 18 SIPs across the country, with SIP2 focussed on the planned Durban, Free State and Gauteng logistics and industrial corridor.
It incorporates the expansion of pier one and two in the Durban Port, the dig-out port, the Harrismith logistics hub, which is already declared an special economic zone, the establishment of a R2,3-billion container terminal in Johannesburg, and a rail network from Durban to Johannesburg with R14,9-billion rolling stock.
According to Dorkin, of the 2, 65 million containers that enter the port annually, 70% travel by road. This shows the significance of the corridor and the need to raise transport efficiencies and lower logistics costs.
“We have to improve freight-handling capacities and have the infrastructure to meet future demand,” said Dorkin. SIP2 will seek to achieve this.
Dorkin emphasised that the dig-out port, like all other SIP2 projects, has been programmed and will not be abandoned. It is just a matter of timing. The view is that construction of phase one should begin by 2030, once the deepening of the pier one berth in the port and other port projects get underway.
Dorkin explained the impact of the port projects on road and rail infrastructure, as well the plans to align all aspects of SIP2. He then went on to map all SIP2 projects from Durban to Gauteng, with special emphasis on the KZN leg of the corridor.
“The global presentation was welcomed by business as it allowed us to appreciate the many opportunities within SIP2, as well as its impacts and this will help business to plan for the future,” said chairman of the Prospecton Business Forum, Mark van Wyk. Members of the forum had a robust interaction with Dorkin, who provided great insight as an active participant within the SIP2 process.
The event was further bolstered by a presentation from eThekwini Municipality on its catalytic projects. These are public private partnerships (PPPs) totalling R126-billion and in preparation a further R31-billion.
South Durban projects include the southern densification corridor, taking in the transport corridor from King Edward, Montclair to Umlazi.
In preparation are the South Illovo Auto Supplier Park, Clairwood Logistics Park and Finningley Growth Sphere in Umkomaas.
Nodal developments are the Umlazi KwaMnyandu bridge and business premises for SMMEs, Mbumbulu town centre, Umgababa coastal development and Isipingo town centre development.
“The role of business cannot be underscored,” said Van Wyk. “We must ensure however, that local business and investors based in South Durban are active participants in these PPPs.”
Companies based in the South Durban area that wish to attend future forum update sessions can email chair@prospectonbusinessforum.com.
