August 22, 2007	Wednesday	Sha’aban 8, 1428

KARACHI, Aug 21: Pakistan Ship Agents Association (PSAA) has asked the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to reconstruct the collapsed berths on a fast track by awarding contract to more than one company.

Karachi port’s berth Nos 10 and 14 at East Wharf collapsed on Aug 10, and due to severe stresses, the adjoining six berths were also affected.

The PSAA has demanded that the KPT should take the reconstruction work on a fast track by engaging two to three internationally reputed firms to complete the job in 18 months.

The PSAA also demanded that an independent enquiry commission be set up, having representation from the private sector and comprising technical people also.

The commission should be asked to find causes of collapse of these berths and also recommend corrective and preventive measures in relation to other vulnerable assets.

It has asked the KPT to adopt intelligent berth management strategy to avoid congestion and long waiting for vessels calling the port.

The PSAA welcomed the berthing policy announced by the KPT after the collapse of these berths.

The PSAA feels that the loss of capacity (till the berths are rebuilt) will be severe as KPT would be effectively left with only seven berths with draft of over 10 meters at a time when the seasonal bulk cargoes will soon be arriving.

PSAA chairman Mohammed A Rajpar apprehended that this situation could result in anchorage waiting times, congestion surcharges and demurrage bills which will drive up the cost of trade and feed core inflation.

He said since it is a national level disaster in terms of economic impact, therefore, the KPT should ask the federal government to arrange for prompt funding assistance as well as from multilateral institutions.