EL relocates residents to make way for IDZ

Better homes in residential area organised Leonard Neill EAST LONDON’S Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) is in the process of clearing an unexpected hurdle in its development. It involves the relocation of residents in the Leaches Bay Informal Settlement which is situated in the duty free area. “We have had to have them moved, but this is being done without problems,” says East London Development Zone Corporation (ELDZC) chief executive Peter Miles. “They are going to better homes in a formal residential area that is being developed near the airport under the municipality’s People’s Housing Project.” Following their relocation, infrastructural development will go ahead in the planned West Bank facelift which will cost in the region of R550 million. This includes a new electrical transmission line and an electrical substation, which will supply both the IDZ and the existing West Bank suburban community. A new harbour arterial road is also being planned as well as the realignment and upgrading of the heavily used Chester Road on the West Bank. Sewerage and water lines as well as improvements in telecommunications are also on the drawing board. According to the ELDZC environmental manager Mervin Olivier, negotiations are also being considered should economic demand arise for the purchase of land owned by Correctional Services. There is even the possibility of the relocation of the prison itself. Four major companies are understood to be at ‘an advanced stage’ in negotiations with zone officials to develop new plants in the IDZ. These include a UK cell phone recycling company, a UK computer recycling company and an international baby clothing manufacturer, which will be involved in a joint venture with a local clothing company. As these deals have not been completed at this stage, the identities of the companies cannot be revealed, says Miles.