Stella Sigcau gives the go-ahead
THE GOVERNMENT has taken its most significant step towards the development of the proposed Coega harbour by the introduction to parliament of the Coega Establishment Bill.
The Bill was tabled last week by public enterprises minister Stella Sigcau and will enable Transnet to build the multi-million rand new deep-water port, which forms the major part of the Fish River Spatial Development Initiative.
Major business with plans to invest in the scheme has awaited a solid step on the part of the government in this direction. The Bill will enable Transnet to construct, equip, control, manage and maintain the new port as from the date to be set by proclamation.
Parliament's approval will give the green light to one of the most ambitious projects in South Africa since the development of Richards Bay, and will also give the go-ahead to plans by the private sector to establish steel, zinc, cement and fertiliser plants as adjacent industries.
It will also act as a new outlet for Iscor, as the current Sishen railway line cannot handle more capacity.
The new harbour is expected to pump R12 billion into the Eastern Cape and create up to 35 000 permanent new jobs. Transnet has already spent R20 million on the design phase of the project with a further R20 million expected to be spent on the planning stage.
Portnet has also announced discussions with petroleum companies for the relocation of the existing fuel tank farms and with ore companies for the relocation of ore-loading facilities at Coega.
It is also proposed to develop part of the land along the lines of the Cape Town Waterfront, creating a tourist and commercial attraction to the area.
BY LEONARD NEILL
