Government invests in small harbours to boost economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal
Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has an ambitious programme to facilitate the building of new small harbours in neglected coastal towns, aiming to bring economic vibrancy to these areas.
Public Works deputy minister Sihle Zikalala announced recently that the government intends to invest in these small and underserved towns. Zikalala launched the first phase of the programme in Port Shepstone, located on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
The department stated that this programme marks a watershed moment. It highlighted that existing harbours across the country were built before 1994, with many located in the Western Cape.
“The new programme redefines coastal access and economic opportunity for underserved communities,” said the statement.
The first new small harbour, it added, is set to be constructed in Port Shepstone. “Two other sites identified for their potential economic impact are in Port Edward and Hibberdene.
“The Port Shepstone harbour site is located less than 1 km southeast of the town’s central business district and the Oribi Plaza shopping centre, placing it at the heart of local commerce and transport networks,” it stated.
The implementation will follow a three-stage delivery framework, which includes:
- Pre-implementation: Feasibility study
- Planning and concept stage
- Design and construction stage
“The economic impact during construction is expected to add approximately R4.41 billion in additional business sales, R1.85 billion in GDP growth, and around 5,808 anticipated jobs within the KwaZulu-Natal economy,” it concluded.
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