Inkatha Freedom Party Statement By:
MR HENNIE BEKKER  MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

26 September 2007

I want to welcome the statements made by Public Enterprises Minister, Alec Erwin, who said that Richards Bay could soon replace Durban as the country's busiest multi-purpose harbour and potentially become one of the largest ports in the world if a planned expansion strategy was adopted. 

We, at the IFP, are strongly in favour of these development plans and we have been calling for Richards Bay to become a Gateway to Africa port for several years now. 

Already in 1995 I have pleaded for Richards Bay to become a container depot and the immediate area a free port. 

The new expansion plans are exactly what the IFP has pleaded for. In future, Richards Bay will not only be a bulk port, but it will indeed become a multi-purpose port with container terminals. This will go a long way in relieving the pressure on Durban, which handles 65% of containerised cargo exports and imports in SA. 

The new plans for Richards Bay will also be great news for the surrounding communities, including the rural areas. The development of the port and the new businesses it will attract will be beneficial for the economies of the surrounding communities and it will without a doubt create more job opportunities. 

We look forward to the speedy development of the new and improved Richards Bay harbour and the IFP assures the Minister of our continued support and assistance. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mr Hennie Bekker MP: 083 255 4520
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470