EThekwini Mayor, Zandile Gumede says while other cities are still struggling in implementing policies on radical economic transformation, eThekwini already has a tangible policy that responds to the call for radical economic transformation.
Gumede, who was addressing the media at Dube TradePort, was part of the high level government delegation tour which witnessed first-hand the development taking place at the Bridge City precinct in KwaMashu. The aim of the tour was to see firsthand the developments that are harnessing inclusive growth.
ALSO READ: Mayor Gumede vows to raise the bar in service delivery
“Last year when I took office I manged to unveil the city’s new radical economic transformation framework. This is a strategy about the investment into the city’s economy that aims to accelerate a number of projects in eThekwini which will benefit local business and communities.”
“These projects speak to the notion of people-centered development. It is important that projects have economic strategies in place to draw previously excluded people into the economy,” she said.
“We have witnessed support and cooperation from all spheres of government and State Owned Entities (SOEs), this contributes to achieving the optimal solution for the benefit of all our poor citizens. We have seen how Prasa railway system is built and today you had the opportunity to witness some of the work that has been done towards this.
ALSO READ: Mayor calls for military base for Durban
“As we work tirelessly to complete our R22 billion Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network, the system will provide a safer and efficient transport system which means it will open doors of opportunities for all. We are thankful for the assistance from the provincial government to ensure that this becomes a reality,” she said.
“Public transport solutions have already signaled the interest from the private sector.This will turn the taxi industry into a more formal enterprise that compliments their core business. We also have to thank national treasury for developing an enabling legislature,” said Gumede
Gumede also took the opportunity to thank those who will be attending the World Economic Forum in Africa, saying Durban was honoured to host the global gathering, which is expected to be attended by more than 1 000 delegates.
ALSO READ: Gumede entrusts mayoral duties to favoured councillor over deputy Peer
Last year, the City and bus operators who might be affected by GO!Durban, the city’s Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN) system signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which outlines the way forward for dialogue and negotiations.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
