SOME of the key multi-billion Rand catalytic infrastructure projects through which the Eastern Cape Provincial government wants to grow the provincial economy, create jobs, reduce poverty and unemployment, have been approved.
According to Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane’s spokesperson, Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha, the projects will undergo a detailed technical assessment phase of funding by the Joint Technical Committee made up of Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and the National Treasury.
“This is according to a report tabled at the last meeting of the Eastern Cape Executive council by the Executive Director of the Eastern Cape Consultative Council (ECSECC), Mr Luvuyo Mosana,” he said.
The catalytic Eastern Cape projects
These catalytic infrastructure projects are:
A) Broadband infrastructure project: R4, 820 billion.
B) Wild Coast meander project: R4, 323 billion
C) Dimbaza Agri Village and Eco industrial park: R1 billion
D) Ndlambe Water and Sanitation Project: R1.1 billion
E) The seven Coega Development projects:
- Railway siding for various zones: R900 million
- Gas Pipelines distribution: R862 million
- Enabling infrastructure for a tank farm, zone 3, 5 and 6: R566 million
- Precinct B logistics park development- including a bridge to the VW factory: R583 million
- Return effluent and water purification: R915 million
- Sea water pipeline and aquaculture development: R781 million
- Emergency center: R90, 4 million.
“What this means is that all these projects received positive feedback and will proceed to the next stage where they will be assessed,” Sicwetsha said.
“A decision to fund these projects will be made by the committee and communicated to the provincial government.
“After receiving the report, the Executive council adopted the report by Mr Mosana and resolved to facilitate an enabling environment for the catalytic projects of the province to be positively considered for funding.”
He added that the Executive Council is of the view approval of these projects for funding will unlock the economic potential of the province and create both jobs and business opportunities for small businesses.
“This will further make a serious dent against unemployment and poverty.”