Richards Bay port restricts coal truck traffic after complaints — TimesLIVE
In the South African city of Richards Bay, the port administration has banned coal trucks from entering and exiting through the eastern gate via Medway Road. Acting port manager Winnie Mpanza said the decision was made after numerous complaints about infrastructure damage and environmental pollution.
As TimesLIVE reports, residents, business owners and civic organizations are demanding that cargoes that generate dust or may pollute the environment be shifted from roads to rail. They complain about coal dust and dirt settling on homes, cars and yards, as well as damage to road infrastructure.
Complaints about dust and road conditions
The Richards Bay Clean Air Association, which monitors air pollutants, has filed an official complaint with the municipality. Organization representative Sandy Cumminga said reports concerning coal dust began arriving around 2020, when Transnet Port Terminals started handling coal. According to her, the flow of trucks increased because of Transnet's inability to transport coal by rail.
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Cumminga also said that the dust harms the environment by settling on vegetation and entering wetlands and water systems. Arboretum resident Terry Nel, who initiated a petition, claims that the pollution has affected not only the Alton area, located next to the port, but also other parts of the city.
Plans to shift cargo back to rail
The port administration said that following the complaints, it rerouted the trucks and, together with the uMhlathuze municipality, began cleaning work on port premises. Transnet National Port Authority also announced approved infrastructure projects to increase the capacity and efficiency of the Bayvue Railyard rail hub: one is at the final stage of implementation, while another is at the design stage.
uMhlathuze Deputy Mayor Muzi Mtshali said law enforcement agencies should hold accountable truck operators who transport coal without covering their loads or park illegally on public roads.
