3 December 2008
Luanda — Local and foreign importers Tuesday in Luanda suggested the Luanda Commercial Port management to invest in equipment, infrastructures and introduce electronic means in order to avoid crowding of terminals with containers and ships off the coast.
Speaking on the fringe of a meeting with the Luanda Port management, the importers told Angop that disbureaucratisation of the process of cargo unload, increasing of the number of cranes and improvement to the containers localisation system will improve the flow of trucks in and out.
According to them, three of the four port terminals (general cargo, containers, miscellaneous), are overcrowded with goods and need repair works to their quays, pavement and lighting.
The director for operations of Angola's Customs Wherehouse, Domingos Candeeiro, said that everytime his company imports goods, the ships hired for the purpose are forced to stay off the coast for several days, which pushes prices of goods up and delays deliveries.
Domingos Candeeiro stated that his company seized the meeting with the port management to make suggestions towards the solution to problems and extend its assistance for a normal functioning of the terminals.
Refriango import director, Nuno Colaço, one of the importers present, said that he admits the congestion of the Luanda Port is partly owed to the rising number of importers in the country.
Atlas Group import director, Santhosh Aravindakshan, said that due to constraints caused by the port, his company imports 300 containers per month and pays an additional Usd 120,00 for each container, due to overstay.
Angoalissar import officer, João Jardim, suggested the creation of a ground crane at the port, and construction of a special terminal for cement, iron ore and other polluting materials and major internal organisation.
Attending the meeting, the operators Sogest, Unicargas, NDS, Multiparques and Maersk, pledged to work with the Luanda Commercial Port management towards the modernisation of the company.
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