Less than two weeks after its rival Port and Terminal Operators Limited (PTOL) received its firs container ship, Bua Ports and Terminals, one of the major concessionaires of Port Harcourt Ports said last week that it has commenced preparations to receive container vessels at the ports.
Already, some container handling equipment ordered by the company ahead of the arrival of container vessels are expected to arrive at the port at the end of this month.
This was disclosed by the terminal manager of the company, Mr. Chinedu Azunnah, when members of the compliance monitoring division, Nigeria Shippers’ Council visited the terminal in Port Harcourt last week.
Mr. Azunnah said the quay apron rehabilitation and reconstruction is presently going on while the stacking area is also under construction. Highlighting some of the positive developments the company has recorded in recent times, he said traffic has increased from 30,000 metric tons to 90,000 metric tons adding that the terminal now handles about 17 vessels of bulk cargo monthly. Rehabilitation and construction of the ware house and storage facility is also presently going on, he disclosed.
On staff welfare the terminal manager pointed out that all the dockworkers have been fully kitted while their remuneration has also increased appreciably.
Giving further insight into how well the company is taking care of its dockworkers, the terminal manager disclosed that two canteens have been provided for them, in addition to a fully equipped sick bay, even as he added that the company also has retainer ship in a private hospital for the dockworkers.
After the facility tour of the terminals, leader of the Shippers’ Council delegation, Mr.Bali Kparbong commended the strides the company has recorded so far saying: “I am very happy for the developments seen at the ports so far”.
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