Eastern Cape budgets R130-million for IDZs

Ed Richardson THE EASTERN Cape government has budgeted R130-million to assist the province's two industrial development zones. The zones are at Coega outside Port Elizabeth, and on East London harbour's west bank. A further boost to the province's transport infrastructure is the allocation of R44-million to resuscitate the rail link between East London and Umtata by the beginning of 2004. This announcement was made by economic affairs, environment and tourism MEC Enoch Godongwana in his budget speech. Godongwana says R80-million has been budgeted for Coega following the signing by President Thabo Mbeki of the proclamation for the Port of Ngqura on January 23 following the designation of an industrial development zone (IDZ) at Coega at the end of last year. Subsequently, a provisional operator's permit was granted to the Coega Development Corporation (CDC).