The R24-million first phase revitalisation of Botshabelo Industrial Park in Botshabelo in the Free State was unveiled by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, yesterday (Tuesday).
The revitalised facility includes a security infrastructure upgrade, fencing, street lighting and critical electricity requirements.
It’s all part of a R189-million investment in six industrial parks under the Department of Trade and Industry’s (dti) Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme.
The programme is part of the Industrial Policy Action Plan (Ipap) aimed at promoting industrialisation in the country and boosting the country’s manufacturing capacity to increase the production of exportable goods.
“Industrial parks represent an opportunity for stimulating local economic development, growth and job creation,” said Davies. “They also offer an opportunity for the influx of foreign direct investment. There is a need to stimulate industrial growth within these regions, including the current operating areas of the industrial parks, some of which operate close to townships and distressed mining towns.”
