WORK HAS started on major security upgrades for both the ports of Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth. The construction of the perimeter fence around the Port of Port Elizabeth began in the middle of June 2003. The work is anticipated to be complete by the end of January in 2004. The erection of the 4800 meters of steel palisade fencing is part of the national security upgrade of all South African ports, according to NPA spokesperson Lize Hayward. Gates will be strategically placed at the main entrances into the port and at railway line crossings. This project forms part of phase one of the security upgrade totalling a R6,7 million investment by the National Ports Authority of SA (NPA). This phase comprises of the fencing, security posts and lighting. The contract for the erection of the fencing in both Port Elizabeth and Mossel Bay was awarded to Amandla Fencing. Protekon (a division of Transnet Limited) will be responsible for the security posts, which will be erected at Green Street, Flemming Street and Baakens river entrances in the Port of Port Elizabeth. In the Port of Mossel Bay, 1000 meters of fencing will be erected. The work is due to commence in August this year and will be completed in December 2003. The Port of Mossel Bay will also have new security posts erected as well as lighting. The NPA will be investing an amount of R1, 5 million on phase one of the Mossel Bay security upgrade project.