Containers at the Port of Mombasa. [Photo/ftwonline.co.za]
A section of importers has decried delays in off-loading cargo at the Port of Mombasa. The importers have been compelled to pay demurrage amounting to Sh1.5 million because of the inefficiencies at the port.The lack of multiple handlers coupled with delays has seen huge volumes of wheat and maize held at the facility. Currently, Grain Bulk Handlers is the only firm offering handling services at the port, which is one of East Africa’s gateways, the Nation has reported.Different stakeholders in the business sector have raised concerns over the delays at the port with consumers also forced to pay extra cash to meet their daily needs.An official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that importers are expected to pay Sh1.5 million for a single ship in the event of delays.“We are incurring huge costs at the moment as we are required to pay for delays every day at a rate of $15,000 (Sh1.5 million) for a single ship,” said the official, as quoted by the local daily.Public Works Principal Secretary Paul Maringa, however, said that the national government does not support monopolization.A week ago, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett said the maize shortage in the country is attributed to delays in offloading at the port.“The current shortage of supplies results from the fact that huge consignments of maize are stuck at the port waiting to be off-loaded,” said Bett.The Kenya Ports Authority management is yet to respond to the concerns.