Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) Port of Port Elizabeth confirms that it has issued a notice to Algoa Bay Yacht Club (ABYC) to vacate the port on 28 February 2018 in accordance with the terms of a High Court order dated 23 August 2017.
ABYC will be required to vacate the buildings accommodating the restaurant and bar whereas the lease which the TNPA holds with the Algoa Bay Sailing Marina will not be affected and yacht owners will continue to have uninterrupted access to their yachts.
“We have to comply with stringent governance processes with regards to managing leases,” explained PE Port Manager, Rajesh Dana.
“As landlord, TNPA operates within a legislative and regulatory environment created by the National Ports Act No.12 of 2005. This requires us to follow a public process for service providers looking to provide port services and facilities. Our Lease Management Policy further requires that when a lease expires, the TNPA must ensure that the broader public has an opportunity to participate in a process that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective.”
TNPA maintain that the leisure boating and yachting fraternity remains a crucial part of its ‘People’s Port’ vision, which includes promoting greater public access and ensuring a vibrant port system, connecting local communities to port activities. TNPA’s vision for the Port of Port Elizabeth aligns with the city’s vision of positioning Nelson Mandela Bay as the water sport capital of South Africa.
TNPA has already embarked on an open tender process for a new tenant on 11 September 2017 and the process is at an advanced stage. An announcement in this regard will be made shortly.
AlgoaFM News has so far been unable to obtain comment from ABYC's lawyer in response to the above statement by Transnet National Ports Authority.
