Logistics efficiency at Dube ramped up

KZN Economic Development and Tourism MEC Mike Mabuyukhulu last week officially opened a new dual carriageway that is expected to ramp up logistics capacity to the Dube TradePort and unlock the next phases of the development as a platform for exporters to grow global markets. Addressing local investors and developers at the official opening at Dube TradePort in La Mercy, Mabuyakhulu said the R239-million road was a demonstration of the government’s “unshakeable commitment to invest in the infrastructure” crucial for the economic development of the country. He said the new 3.25km International Trade Avenue, which links the northern part of the development to the N2 and R102 motorways via Ushukela Highway, would immediately improve logistics efficiencies by allowing for greater traffic volumes to the site which the government last year declared an Industrial Development Zone. “The road also creates long-term development spin-offs in which many of Dube TradePort’s flagship investments will be located. These include Trade Zone Two, the airside and aeronautical platform and the uShukela mixed use precinct,” Mabuyakhulu said. Mabuyakhulu said phase one of the development, Africa’s first purpose built aerotropolis, had now been completed and phase two would see 51 hectares of industrial development land come on stream in 2017. Dube TradePort chairwoman Dr Bridgette Gasa said the road was a “major milestone” in the port’s 50-year masterplan to cater for long-term requirements such as rail and public transport as well as the future aircraft cross taxiway.