SOUTH Africa's transnet has dismissed allegations of procuring inadequate critical equipment aimed at enhancing the efficiency and capacity of its Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) operations.
In a statement last month, the United National Transport Union (UNTU) claimed that Transnet purchased seven unsuitable second-hand cranes from the US, with no spare parts of which only five were in working order, which were too small for the CTCT operations and endangered the lives of employees and truck drivers.
The union also called on the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy to hold Transnet accountable for what it described as 'self-inflicted challenges and costly errors', reports Cape Town's Business Report.
However, Transnet last week said UNTU's statement contained inaccuracies.
'The acquisition of the gantries was instrumental in improving efficiencies at the Cape Town Container Terminal, by increasing its capacity to handle more containers, reducing congestion and improving the overall flow of goods. This has seen significant reductions from 300 hours to as low as 45 hours in turnaround times,' Transnet said.
'The port is working hard in ensuring that vessels berth on arrival. Apart from those unavoidable delays due to inclement weather, vessels waiting at outer anchorage are kept at minimal and within the target of two vessels.'
Transnet also said its immediate priority was to ensure equipment availability and reliability during this deciduous season, with the customer at the centre of its actions and decisions.
'This year, we will go into the season with over 70 pieces of additional equipment, such as new haulers, reach stackers, and container empty handlers,' it said.
'This investment is aimed at improving efficiencies as South Africa exports its grapes, peaches, apricots, and plums to the global markets.'
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In a statement last month, the United National Transport Union (UNTU) claimed that Transnet purchased seven unsuitable second-hand cranes from the US, with no spare parts of which only five were in working order, which were too small for the CTCT operations and endangered the lives of employees and truck drivers.
The union also called on the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy to hold Transnet accountable for what it described as 'self-inflicted challenges and costly errors', reports Cape Town's Business Report.
However, Transnet last week said UNTU's statement contained inaccuracies.
'The acquisition of the gantries was instrumental in improving efficiencies at the Cape Town Container Terminal, by increasing its capacity to handle more containers, reducing congestion and improving the overall flow of goods. This has seen significant reductions from 300 hours to as low as 45 hours in turnaround times,' Transnet said.
'The port is working hard in ensuring that vessels berth on arrival. Apart from those unavoidable delays due to inclement weather, vessels waiting at outer anchorage are kept at minimal and within the target of two vessels.'
Transnet also said its immediate priority was to ensure equipment availability and reliability during this deciduous season, with the customer at the centre of its actions and decisions.
'This year, we will go into the season with over 70 pieces of additional equipment, such as new haulers, reach stackers, and container empty handlers,' it said.
'This investment is aimed at improving efficiencies as South Africa exports its grapes, peaches, apricots, and plums to the global markets.'
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