An ariel view of Matsapha Dry Port proposed expansion phases (Phase 1, 2 & 3) which will ease business and economic activity in Swaziland
ABOVE: Storage containers in a train awaiting offloading and de-sfaffing of containers at the dry port, Matsapha. RIGHT: Swaziland Revenue Authority (Customs) officials registering incoming containers for monitoring of commodities, at Matsapha Inland Container Dry Port.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport, on Friday 13th January 2016 toured Swaziland Railways’ Inland Container Dry Port (ICD) which is the only port of entry and point of departure for containers via rail from South Africa and Maputo ports, and which is linked to the worlds’ international ports. SR’s Director of Engineering Dlamini, was in the company of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport planning officials with central agencies responsible for planning and budgeting including Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning & Development.
The proposed expansion of ICD is subdivided into three phases to bring the ICD into a self-sufficient Dry-Port fulfilling all the functions of a Dry-Port. The feasibility study for the project is underway and is earmarked to be completed in March 2017.
The phases are as follows;
- Phase 1 (current space used) currently occupies 26, 335 square metres (50% covered in concrete for the safe movement of the Reach Stackers)
- Phase 2 occupies 7772 square metres
- Phase 3 occupies 33509 square metres which is currently occupied by Central Transport Administration (CTA)
There’s an array of opportunities that can positively impact the economy of the country and the business environment. The opportunities include; growing businesses as there’ll be more cargo being transported to and from the ICD, and further migrating cargo from road transportation to rail, and that will ease business to business transaction. Therefore, promoting trade in Swaziland and contributing significantly in strategic areas for imports and exports.
There’ll also be limited delays due to easy customs clearing of goods and shorter train transit times; as a result the organization will be fully sufficient and efficient. The expansion will also contribute considerably to economic growth, job creation, skills development, growth and sustainability of the engineering sector to create a greater economic sustainable environment.