Question NW4291 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
25 November 2022 - NW4291
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
In light of the fact that Transnet assisted Saldanha Bay harbour to upgrade their status as an entry harbour for passenger ships and/or cruise liners from 1 November 2022, what facilities will be (a) built and (b) upgraded to accommodate (i) customs and (ii) passengers getting off the specified ships for tourism activities?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet:
a) An assessment was done by the Department of Transport, the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration Department) and the TNPA, and agreement was reached that there is currently no need for new infrastructure. Thus,
- No new customs facilities will be built; and
- No new infrastructure will be built to allow passengers to get off the specified ships for tourism facilities.
b) A few requirements were identified for the Port of Saldanha to attain Port of Entry Status. The requirements included identifying a suitable site and a housing facility to accommodate the relevant government departments; as well as an area to process the arriving passengers.
(i) The site identified and allocated for the Government Departments already has a housing facility equipped with running water, electricity, and connectivity. The identified housing facility is currently leased to the Department of Public Works on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration Department). The assessing team has confirmed that the site meets the requirements from the TNPA for Port of Entry Status. Upgrades will only be undertaken as and when required.
ii) A temporary passenger facility will be erected as and when there is a need. Three sites have been identified for such erection and processing. As and when the demand proves necessary for permanent infrastructure development, new infrastructure will be developed to process passenger arrivals.