Cogta prioritises revitalisation of city
Plans proposed in 2014 to expand and upgrade Alkantstrand are still on the cards.
THE beach precinct remains one of the top priorities for development by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), said Cogta KZN’s Vhutshilo Gelebe at an economic development forum meeting held on Thursday at the King Cetshwayo District Municipality.
Of the R4.5-million allocated to the project for the financial year, more than R2.3-million has been spent and 28 jobs created.
‘The beach is still unfortunately taking a beating from waves and it is eroded, but this is being tended to,’ said Gelebe.
‘Once the beach is fully developed, one can only imagine the many spin-offs that will materialise from that.
‘It is our responsibility to provide infrastructure and this is especially important in a town that is not thriving as it did before.
‘We must revitalise this town and see to eyesores such as vandalised buildings that have a negative impact on tourist and investor attraction and confidence.’
Other projects in the district currently under implementation is the incubator and downstreaming developments in the Ntambanana Municipality, budgeted at R3.4-million; the Moringa plantation within Luwambo in Ntambanana (R1.6-million); the Mbonambi beach upgrade in the uMfolozi Municipality (R1-million); and the uThungulu fresh produce markets, budgeted at R18-million.
‘Renovating and expanding market stalls not only assists in tourism attraction across the district, but also boosts our informal trade sector.
‘We have been hammered for funding fresh produce markets, but infrastructure and facilities are our mandate and it comes from cabinet.’
Read the full story in the ZO Monday edition.
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