KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize and MEC for Economic Development Mr Mike Mabuyakhulu today officially kick started the construction of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) during a sod turning ceremony (Tuesday, 6 September 2011).
“This is the time for us to start correcting the weaknesses in the structures of our economy. We should be able to ship out products manufactured in this country instead of sending raw materials which then get sent back to us as finished products at a much higher cost,” said Dr Mkhize.
He said this IDZ together with other packages offered by the national government should serve as an incentive for people to come and invest in this part of the country.
“The largest and busiest ports in the country are here in KZN, and it will be a shame if we just remain a conduit and fail to realise our potential as a strategic port in Africa as an anchor for economic growth,” he said.
Dr Mkhize also said the need for the port to be developed is a key issue for government which should also serve as a catalyst for job creation.
“We need private sector partnership, where you can come closer to government and begin to engage on issues where you think we should be moving so that we can realise our objectives of job creation and growing the economy,” said Dr Mkhize.
MEC Mabuyakhulu said the Richards Bay IDZ is a strategic platform for economic development and said there is a great need to develop a cargo terminal in the port.
Mabuyakhulu said there has been a lot of cooperation between all levels of government, with all stakeholders interesting in seeing this project taking off the ground.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize launches Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone
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