R49-Million Isithebe Park revamp
The park has the potential to attract potential investors and create sustainable jobs
THE Minister of Trade and Industry (DTI), Dr Rob Davies and KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Sihle Zikalala recently launched the first phase of the revitalised Isithebe Industrial Park in Mandeni.
The R49-million project is part of a DTI programme and Isithebe is one of 10 industrial parks the department has prioritised for revitalisation as part of the programme.
The objective of the programme is to promote industrialisation and increase their contribution to job creation and the country’s economic growth especially in heavily populated, poor communities.
Speaking at the launch Minister, Davies said the Isithebe Industrial Park was prioritised as it has the potential to attract potential investors and create sustainable jobs.
Large economic contribution
He says a large variety of industries operating from Isithebe contribute significantly to the economy of the area, providing over 20000 jobs.
During the revitalisation programme, 15 small micro medium enterprises were appointed for the project at the value of R6.3-million with 162 people employed on the project.
The expenditure prioritised in Isithebe includes the replacement of old and outdated buildings with modern structures, the construction of the 3km pedestrian sidewalk pavement, upgrading of high mast lights, improvement of street lighting and general electrical repairs.
MEC Zikalala said the fact that government was launching this project to give the Isithebe Industrial Park a new lease on life, is not only a vote of confidence in the growth prospect of the economy of KZN, but shows that government is serious about attracting investments to the province.
Zikalala also said the role that is being played by Isithebe Industrial Park as the heartbeat of economic activity in Mandeni cannot be overemphasized.
He highlighted the fact that the industrial park was strategically situated in one of the critical corridors between Durban and Richards Bay, further testified to the importance of this industrial park to the economy of the province.
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