15 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2023 External Stakeholders Extreme weather / Climate change Incessant rain events have become the order of the day, leading to timber inaccessibility, supply interruption and a logistical nightmare. During the year some intense heatwaves also occurred, clearly endorsing the fact that climate change is occurring. Around April 2022, NCT Durban Wood Chips was flooded and the rail link to Sappi Saiccor destroyed. In late May 2022 a repeat of the April floods occurred this time affecting the Greytown Branch rail-line. Ongoing out-of-season rain events hampered access to timber both in field and on depots. Addressing impacts of climate change New all-weather depots were built at NCT Baynesfield Estate in order to ensure sustained buffer stock availability (Acacia and E. smithii) to augment member supply, particularly when normal timber flow is impeded. Priority attention was given towards restoring flooded weighbridges and electrics at NCT Durban Wood Chips in record time after the April floods, thereby limiting member inconvenience. Members were encouraged to place more reliance on road than rail (as ironical as that seems). Transnet Freight service levels are simply incapable of dealing with contingencies, even those weather-related. Two new 6000l fire trucks were purchased to service NCT Tree Farms and member farms within their footprint. Fire protection and standby crew capacity was maintained on all NCT Farms. Key operational challenges, complexities and events impacting on stakeholders. Key actions taken / Services rendered
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