Construction is currently underway for a shopping complex in Thusivillage, Wesselton – a move that many have welcomed and rejoiced in.
Shift Capital is the construction company tasked with steering the project.
The company, along with the owner of the land where the complex will be built on, began planning the development in 2017.
Construction began in earnest in the beginning of August with the contractor hiring local sub-contractors and labourers to give the community of Wesselton and Ermelo employment.
According to the property developer of Shift Capital, Mr Nic McSeveney, the shopping complex will bring an estimated 400 to 500 permanent jobs for the community at large.
The Boxer supermarket is the big draw-card with a filling station, a fish and chips shop and clothing shops also an attraction.
This means residents of Wesselton need not come to the central business district to do their shopping.
This spells bad news for the local taxi industry and business owners in the Ermelo town.
However, the community is in agreement that the complex will bring more good than bad.
When the Highvelder took to the streets to find out from residents what they think of this new development, Ms Praizer Ngomane said it is good for Wesselton residents.
“I need not have to worry about taxi fares anymore, because I can walk to do my shopping as the complex is in walking distance from my house.”
An environmental activist, Mr Philani Mngomezulu, shared Ms Ngomane’s sentiments, saying the complex will boost the economy of Ermelo and especially Wesselton.
“When there is a possibility of job creation, the community benefits and it is the beginning of the end of poverty.”
When the Highvelder asked about the constant power cuts in Thusivillage due to illegal connections, Mr McSeveney was quick to point out that the complex will have its own back-up generators to ensure they can render services.
Mr Lunga Mndebele, ward councillor of the area, echoed Mr McSeveney’s words, saying the developer and owner of the complex have their full support and service delivery will not affect the running of the complex.
The project should be completed by 1 March next year.
All relevant stakeholders emphasised that the complex is for the people.
“This is all for the community and we urge them to welcome this development and take care of it because at the end of the day, it is theirs,” Mr Mndebele concluded.
