THE uThungulu fresh produce market is operational and awaiting final recommendations from provincial treasury to execute transactions using the entity’s bank accounts.
This was highlighted during a special uThungulu District Council meeting on Friday.
Since the invention of the concept, progress has been made towards the establishment of the market as a municipal entity and it has been registered as a private company.
The law prohibits the entity to execute any transactions on its own, while the municipality is awaiting comment and recommendations.
Currently the market is utilizing rented premises in Empangeni Rail as the process of purchasing the building is undergoing a municipal bid process.
Thus far four people have been employed for the project.
In May the market was officially opened by President Jacob Zuma and heralded as a job creation initiative and as a venture providing small scale farmers with a venue to sell their produce.
All six local municipalities are involved in the scheme, of which farmers own 49% and the district 51% shares.
Emerging farmers were encouraged to be part of the co-operatives to ensure quality food is produced for locals and an amount of R11-million has been set aside by the district to support them.
