WASHINGTON: The Ports Regulator of SA had embarked on a 10-year reform of its tariff strategy which would bring about a fair system of cost-reflective tariffs, rationalise the tariff book and reduce cross-subsidisation in the ports system, CEO Mahesh Fakir said on Wednesday.
The long-term tariff strategy was published in July last year and the next phase of its implementation would focus on developing a framework for beneficiated goods, the valuation of the assets of the National Ports Authority and a review and redesign of the tariff methodology. Highly beneficiated manufactured goods exported in containers would attract lower tariffs. Work will also be undertaken to deal with mineral beneficiation.
“The Ports Regulator of SA aims to reduce the cost of doing business with SA and reduce the cost of exports of South African manufactured products to the world through a fair and well-structured tariff methodology on which tariff determinations are based,” Mr Fakir said in a briefing to members of Parliament’s transport committee on his organisation’s strategic and performance plan.
He said that legislative amendments were required to enhance the powers of the regulator to police the implementation of its decisions and to enhance its governance structures. One of the strategic objectives of the regulator would be to operate a tribunal to hear complaints and appeals under the National Ports Act. What was envisaged was a quasi-judicial institution, Mr Fakir said.
Budgetary constraints were a challenge and he said more funding was required if the regulator was to successfully implement its programmes. A new self-funding model was required so that the organisation was not dependent on the fiscus.
