Both the construction industry and fresh produce farmers in Mpumalanga look set to receive a welcome boost following the announcement by the provincial government that it has finalised the site for a new regional fresh produce market and agricultural hub.
The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration (DARDLA) signed a land availability agreement with local farming, property and investment business, HL Hall and Sons, to locate the new agricultural hub on the Sabie/Mashishing road close to Nelspruit and the Riverside Park mixed-use regional node.
Construction of bulk services for the fresh produce market, a key strategic project for the province, is expected to start in October 2013. The approved site, adjacent to the interchange with the N4 bypass, is large enough to accommodate additional government projects such as value addition projects.
The selection of the site for the new market and agricultural hub followed a comprehensive and competitive evaluation process that assessed factors such as access to bulk services and major transport routes, size and potential for expansion, environmental impact, pricing and other criteria. Preliminary environmental and geotechnical investigations have confirmed the agreed site’s suitability for the intended use.
“The Halls site was preferred not only because of its superior performance in the evaluation process, but also because we view Halls as an important strategic partner in this project. Their extensive knowledge and experience in the local and international fresh produce business, and specifically the marketing and logistics associated with transporting and selling fresh produce locally and internationally, will be a key success factor,” says Ms Nelisiwe Sithole, Head of Department at DARDLA.
One of the main reasons for the development of a regional fresh produce market and agricultural hub in Mpumalanga is to develop new markets and strengthen existing outlets both locally and internationally for the province’s commercial and emerging growers.
“The region has great potential for the production of subtropical fruit and nuts, and has already established itself as an important region of origin for produce such as avocados, citrus, mangoes, litchis, pecan and macadamia nuts,” says the MEC for DARDLA, Ms Voilet Siwela.
“We firmly believe that this project will greatly assist emerging growers and put the Lowveld and Mpumalanga firmly at the forefront of developing new international fresh produce markets for locally grown produce,” says MEC Siwela.
Detailed planning for the new site’s facilities and the structure for the ownership and management of the fresh produce market and agricultural hub is well advanced. DARDLA has sought specialist advice on the development, and has visited leading international markets such as Rungis in Paris, to ensure that the facility is designed and built fit for purpose.
“It is envisaged that the detailed design and plans will be completed by September 2013 and the commencement of construction of the first phase of the development will commence at the end of October 2013 and be completed and open for operations within approximately 12 months”, says Mr Andre van Niekerk, Director: Special Projects, DARDLA, who is overseeing this project.
Halls have grown over the years into a significant diversified business and are known locally for their fresh produce business and property development business. They also have an investment arm that has investments in a number of financial services and veterinarian pharmaceutical businesses.
“While we typically don’t sell large pieces of land due to the nature of our farming and property development business, we saw the approach by the Department as an opportunity to partner with government and support this exciting strategic project for the region and province,” says Dr Rob Snaddon, managing director of Halls.
For further information:
Andre van Niekerk
Tel: 013 766 6314
Fax: 013 766 8247
H. L. Hall & Sons
James Aling
Tel: 013 753 5811
Fax: 086 582 0262
