One of the most talked about projects in the province, the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM), which costs about R1.7b, was finally officially handed over on August 1.
The MEC for public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, officially handed the MIFPM over to his counterparts, the MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs (Dardlea), Nompumelelo Hlophe, and the MEC for economic development and tourism (DEDT), Makhosaze Masilela.
The project was initially launched in November 2018 and was supposed to be completed by September 2020. However, several challenges arose, including community unrest, workers protesting and various interruptions.
The market is set to provide access to local, regional and international fresh produce.
The project consists of a market building with all its pertinent support facilities, and an agroprocessing building and all the required access control facilities, roads, parking and related facilities.
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The construction also created opportunities for SMMEs and more than 500 jobs during its implementation phase, with many more work opportunities still to be created once it is operational.
The development was initially conceptualised by Dardlea, while its implementation was overseen by the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) before being transferred to the Department of Public Works.
Currently, the construction area measures about 52 000m². The development is situated on an area spanning over 50ha. The approved master plan, however, provides for future expansion of the facility by a further 30 000m² if and when additional capacity becomes necessary.
All planning and design activities as well as implementation of projects related to the provision of bulk infrastructure and services, as well as construction and/or extension of the access road, were previously implemented under MEGA’s leadership.
It was Thomo’s first project handover, which he said was an honour. He said his department was proud to announce the successful completion of yet another megaproject.
“The provincial government, through the DEDT, financed this project. When the department took over the project in early 2021, it inherited a multitude of challenges as indicated by the project manager, including work interruptions, contractual disputes and sub-par performance by some contractors.
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However, we commend the tireless efforts made to address these issues, which have paid off, and that is why we are here today.”
Masilela said as the DEDT funded the project, it continues to work with Dardlea to ensure that the people benefit. “As we are going international and engaging neighbouring countries when we do our tours in terms of tourism, we will also promote this project so they will come and invest in our province.”
Hlophe said they appreciate the capacity of the implementing department, public works. “Indeed we will keep the market intact and make sure there is value for the money that was invested. We will make sure that it is sustained for the future generation.”
The project is not officially open to the public as yet.
