Empangeni economic slump only temporary
Empangeni Deputy Chairman Mike Patterson said while local businesses were definitely struggling, it was worth holding onto hope
WHILE small and medium-sized businesses in Empangeni have been feeling the pinch of stagnating economic growth and massive drought implications, not all hope should be lost.
This emerged at a Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZCCI) Empangeni Division meeting on Thursday.
Empangeni Deputy Chairman Mike Patterson said while local businesses were definitely struggling, it was worth holding onto hope as future developments will bring new life to not only Empangeni, but also greater Zululand.
‘There are a number of projects that, once ground has been broken, will bring another economic boom to Zululand,’ he said.
Some projects will have a large, positive effect, such as the Waterstone residential development which will see around 10 000 low- and mid-income homes developed just outside Empangeni.
While exact details of the project are still under wraps, it is understood that the City of uMhlathuze has allocated funds for bulk services supply, with ground to be broken on putting the infrastructure in place very soon.
The supply of bulk services was one precondition the Department of Human Settlements have said is critical before funds would be released for the project.
The upgrade to the Lot 63 taxi rank in the Empangeni CBD is approaching the 55% completion mark.
This project will not only alleviate traffic congestion, but will also see the CBD getting a much needed facelift, ensuring it becomes a more attractive destination.
‘I think at least 90% of the economic ‘hurt’ has already been felt,’ said Patterson.
‘But all hope is not lost and these projects will definitely uplift the Empangeni business sector.
‘The service industry in Empangeni lost a huge amount of support as Richards Bay grew over the years, but from here, we can only go up or sideways, not further down.’
Patterson encouraged larger corporations and residents to think about spending local before looking elsewhere.
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