Stakeholders receive update at Umbogintwini
The 2020 and 2021 sessions could not be held because of Covid-19.
African Explosives and Chemical Industries’ (AECI) Umbogintwini Industrial Complex (UIC) recently hosted the first stakeholder feedback session in two years at the Umbogavango Nature Reserve.
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The aim of the meeting was to update various stakeholders on what has been happening at the complex since the last meeting was held, as well as to seek input from them. The stakeholders include UIA tenants, management, staff, as well as representatives from the surrounding community.
The last feedback session was held in 2019, and none were held in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid-19 restrictions. The recent session was the first ever to include a socio-economic impact suirvey.
Don Govender presented results of the survey which was conducted to determine the complex’s impact on the economy, locally and beyond. The assessment was carried out in 2019 and 2020 and about 80% of the companies that are UIC tenants participated.
“The UIC plays a crucial role in the economies of Durban-South, eThekwini, KZN, South Africa, as well as globally. The complex supports almost every sector of the economy and several surrounding communities benefit through jobs and services,” said Govender.
According to the assessment, one direct job within the UIC contributes to seven indirect jobs in the economy.
“The economic value ratio is that for every R1 generated by the UIC, R4. 20 is generated in the broader economy,” he said.
An environmental presentation was also made to give an update on work that has been done on the remediation of ground water at the complex. The community was asked not to drink or use the water that comes out of springs near UIC.
AECI’s community liaison officer Nomali Msomi said the event went well. “The objective was achieved the attendants participated and asked a lot of questions. In the next session we will provide feedback on the issues that were raised,” she said.
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