The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) is currently considering public comments with regards to an Application for Designation of an Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) at Saldanha Bay as proposed by the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone Licensing Company (SBIDZ LiCo), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Western Cape Investment Promotion Agency (WESGRO).
The Saldanha Bay IDZ application was gazetted for public comment in November 2012 by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, in order to broaden the scope and composition of dedicated industrial areas, and to support industrial decentralisation.
All citizens, stakeholders, interested parties, structures, institutions and organisations were afforded the opportunity to express an opinion, proposals or recommendations on the Saldanha Bay IDZ application during the Public Consultation Workshop and Public Consultation Period. The period for receiving public comments has now come to an end.
"Saldanha Bay has been recognised as an area with great economic potential: both for the quality of its port facilities, and for the entrepreneurial quality of its residents. As such it is strategically placed in the Presidential development node and thus the national, provincial and municipal authorities have explored ways of unlocking this potential. It is equally important that local industry participate and be involved in the economic upliftment of the area as there is great opportunity to enterprise," said Minister Davies.
He added that even though the Saldanha Bay area was regarded as having huge economic potential, the dti was of the view that the public comments would greatly assist him in his consideration of the IDZ designation.
All public feedback which has been received will now be considered by Minister Davies who will also consult with the Cabinet before making a final decision on the designation.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Acting Chief Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 012 394 1643
Cell: 079 5083 457
E-mail: Blukhele@thedti.gov.za
