Focusing on projects outside the port instead of development inside the area has resulted in 33 percent of the Karachi port becoming non-functional. Last week, three berths, 10, 14 and 15, on East Wharf, collapsed. These berths were constructed between 1954 and 1964.
In 1993, Berths 5 and 6 had collapsed, without warning, and consequently shipping lines imposed a surcharge on ships calling at the port. Subsequently, a governmental committee was constituted to inquire into the collapse and propose rectification measures.
The committee''s findings showed that these berths were constructed by using the old technology of concrete piles with infill planks and anchor ties. The reason for collapse was failure of tie anchors on account of unprotected and poorly maintained structures.
The committee recommended reconstruction of these berths. However, in the interim period it was emphasised that the tie bars and concrete piles in front be inspected for strengthening and maintenance.
These berths were designed for light cargo on conventional ships and not for bigger vessels now calling at the port. Using them as multipurpose berths and overloading them with scrap and containers, coupled with poor maintenance, was asking for trouble. Hence, berths 1 and 2 and 10 to 17 are now unsafe for big cargo ships and geared container vessels.
At present, berths 26 to 30, leased to KICT, and berths 6 to 9, leased to PICT and designed as dedicated container terminals are the only berths functional for container vessels. It is logical to ask why KPT in the last 10 years (1997 to 2007) did not implement the investigation committee''s recommendation to reconstruct two berths at a time on the East Wharf.
KPT has done well in improving the to and fro movement from the port by widening the access road to the port. Now, when the KPT is spending Rs 260 million on KPT Fountain, awarding a contract worth Rs 500 million on BOT basis for a food court and working to build a 1947 feet high port tower building, port users want the KPT (under the landlord port concept) to lease these collapsing berths on BOT basis to the private sector for rebuilding and designed for various multipurpose cargo.
There are 30 dry cargo berths in Karachi port. Four of them are shallow berths (6 metre depth), built after 2002, known as Napier Mole Boat Wharf. They are not fit for cargo ships. So, out of 24 berths, one-third, ie, eight, are now non-functional or unsafe. One can only hope that a repeat of 1993 does not occur--when shipping consortiums imposed surcharge on all cargo handled at KPT. The Planning Commission needs to investigate the state of affairs at KPT. After all, it is a life line of the country, say port users.