PLANS to solidify the King Cetshwayo District’s (formerly uThungulu) status as an emerging metro are well underway.
Future infrastructure and economic development that would secure the coveted metro status have received a boost through newly elected district mayor, Nonhle Mkhulisi.
She shared the plans for the district at a media breakfast held in Empangeni on Thursday.
‘We are first and foremost a sphere of government, and our priority should always be the welfare of our communities,’ she said.
‘We need to make a significant impact on the living standards of our people.
‘Confidence in King Cetshwayo is increasing rapidly as investment flows into the region and local economic development through sustainable means is a priority.
‘We are focused on achieving these projects through community participation and empowerment.’
Mkhulisi announced several plans and initiatives that will benefit the new vision for the district, and above all, the people living here.
‘The district underwent a highly contested election period and is now operating within a politically charged environment that is exciting and challenging.
‘But the district is also facing an extended period of drought and communities are struggling to survive on water tanker deliveries and water shortages in many of our rural areas.’
While some short-term measures were already in place to alleviate the crippling effects of the drought, Mkhulisi said long-term solutions would see stronger focus.
District municipal manager Mandla Nkosi elaborated on certain measures that would need to be in place before metro status could be achieved.
‘To become a metro, there are several key factors that must exist – multiple CBDs, adequate access by road as well as heavy and light industrial areas to name a few.’
‘We have a 50-year master plan which tells us exactly where we want to be in five years, and again in ten years and 50 years from now.
‘We firmly believe that in the next five to 10 years, we will achieve this status.’
Key economic projects for the region includes:
• Advancing the beneficiation of mineral wealth. In this regard there are many mining concerns in the region to which support is given to;
• Industrial policy action plan – it is critical to maintain a close relationship with industry and he municipality is regularly consulted and in turn consults with corporate stakeholders on job creation initiatives;
– Operation Phakisa – as a coastal district with the Richards Bay port at the centre, the district is canvassing for a container terminal and increased economic activity via the harbour;
• In consideration of the huge demand on electricity, the government is using the RBIDZ to pioneer an energy production hub. Currently, about 20 hectares of land have been identified at the Bayside site to host gas-to-power operations in an effort to yield diversified energy generation capacity from renewable sources. More than 1 800 jobs will be created during construction.
– The district works closely with the RBIDZ and industry to keep abreast of developments.
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