In a move to foster business opportunities in the Free State, the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), in partnership with the Lejwe Le Putswa Development Agency (LDA), announced yesterday that they had signed an agreement to develop a new industrial park in the Lejwe Le Putswa District Municipality.
The Thabong Industrial Park, which will cost R69.7 million, will enable emerging business to become more competitive by expanding and creating employment opportunities in the region. The project will target 19 businesses currently operating in the informal sector, creating employment opportunities for over a 160 people.
Commenting on the new industrial park, Bafunani Mnguni, chief executive Le Putswa Development Agency, said the park would help open the door to new business, investment and employment opportunities.
“The district wants to diversify its economy from the shrinking mining and agricultural sectors. There need to be more sectors that are introduced to increase economic development in the area which has seen a high unemployment rate,” said Mngumi.
Bonginkosi Mthembu, CDC executive manager, said the park would go a long way in enhancing the region’s prospects for sustained investment.
The agreement will also see the CDC assisting the LDA in managing special economic zones, procuring driver training programmes and developing synthetic gas sources.
