Multimillion rand projects to push entrepreneurs out of backyard operations and to reinforce social cohesion are on track
Kokstad Municipality got a shot in the arm today as the Provincial Government handed over multi-million rand infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth in the area.
The Provincial Treasury handed over a R40 million infrastructure in the form of Light Industrial Park (LIP) (R22 million) and Shayamoya Echo Park (SEP) (R18 million). The LIP aims to identify emerging entrepreneurs who work in the backyard, train them to run their businesses professionally and award them with certificates so that they can break into mainstream economy.
SEP will stimulate a lot employment opportunities for local people to look after the park, promote social cohesion amongst different race groups in the area while teaching communities on observing environment whilst also promoting tourism.
Kokstad Project Leader Gregory Ogle said it would be impossible to have these projects had it not been for the Provincial Infrastructure Crack Team. Ogle said the team removed all hinderances that were in the way.
Handing over the projects, Provincial Treasury Head of Department, Mr Simiso Magagula, said government wants to stimulate economic growth in this municipality.
"This facility will serve as incubator for small scale entrepreneurs who are currently operating in their backyard. The facility will give them skills to be competitive and able to run successful business entities. That will enable them to get into the mainstream economy in this municipality," said Magagula.
Magagula said Treasury will be part of a steering committee that will oversee the running of the facilities to ensure that the facilities work properly.
Harry Gwala District Mayor, Mluleki Ndobe was excited to witness the hand over, saying this will make Kokstad an economic hub in the district. He asked Magagula to ensure that the investment does not become a white elephant.
Kokstad Mayo Nosisa Jojozi was over-the-top. "It is exciting to see this municipality taking a leap into stimulating economic growth in this part of the province. Today we realise our dream. There is no time to waste - we will hit the ground running," she said.
The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs also invested R46 million into the town to rehabilitate infrastructure.
MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube said in a statement that the investment into this town, is part of the small town rehabilitation programme, which is aimed at rehabilitation small town across the province to be economic hubs from which their communities benefit. Part of the investment has gone towards the upgrading of sidewalks, parking, storm water drainage, street lights, market stalls and the landscaping of the CBD.
MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Ravi Pillay presided over the official launch of this rehabilitation project. He said the facelift that this town is undergoing, will ensure that it is more attractive to investors, as the key infrastructure that his project is aimed at rebuilding, is what is considered as a key indicator to many investors on whether a town or city can be considered for investment.
“This town is also a strategic route for the province as it is the link between the Province and the Eastern Cape, with many travellers seeing it a half way point” said Pillay.
Over the past five years, over R400 million has been spent under this programme to rehabilitate small towns across the Province. Towns like Umzimkhulu, Richmond, Dannhauser, Weenen, Greytown, Endumeni and Okhahlamba have gained more investments through this programme.
