Mandeni plans a “mini Ballito”

R24 billion coastline development is planned for the Macamabini area along the Dokodweni lagoon in Mandeni. Mandeni mayor Siphesihle Zulu said they hoped to turn the area into a “mini Ballito”, with resorts, a shopping mall and beach upgrades to attract tourists.
This and other development plans for the small town were discussed during the Mandeni municipality’s strategic plan summit which was held in the Drakensburg last week.
The summit was also attended by economic development MEC, Mike Mabuyakhulu who committed his department to assisting Mandeni in developing the Macamabini area.
Mandeni municipality officials led by their mayor Siphesihle Zulu will meet with the Macambini tribal authority to discuss ways to attract investors.
“The estimated cost of developing the area is R24 billion and our role as the municipality is to provide support for local businesses, like shops that are already in the area, to get refurbished,” said Zulu.
Infrastructure development is also underway and the Ilembe district mayor Welcome Mdabe announced that work on the Macambini bulk water supply project will begin in June 2014. Mdabe and Zulu said having water and sanitation in the area will attract other forms of development. This project is estimated to cost R20 million
This will see a 6.2km long HDP (plastic) pipe being constructed which will carry water from a reservoir in Sundumbili to J1, Majuba and Manda Farm areas all the way below the railway line near Sappi to the Mandeni pump station with other smaller pipes feeding into these areas.
Mandeni municipal manager Lulamile Mapholoba said they also reviewed the 2012/13 financial year and planned for the 2013/14 season.
“Although there is still a long way to go in terms of strengthening our production and agricultural sectors, we feel pretty good that most of the positions that were vacant for a long time have now been filled with suitably qualified people,” said Mapholoba.