Saldanha determined to become ship repair hub

Hopes are high that the planned industrial development zone (IDZ) for Saldanha in the Western Cape will establish the region as a hub for the repair of vessels and oil tankers. According to Alan Winde, MEC for finance, economic development and tourism in the Western Cape, much effort is going into the development of the IDZ not only at local and provincial government level, but also from national government. “It is clear to everyone involved that we need the correct infrastructure in this IDZ that is in balance with that of the Port of Cape Town. It has to all work together to be successful,” he told FTW. But, warned Winde, much work needed to be done to ensure that South Africa was able to meet the demand for which it was competing. “Especially in terms of our manufacturing sector we are seeing more and more demand. In the Western Cape last year one order from China alone saw us having to double the wine production for the entire year to meet the order. If we are not ready for the market, we will burn our fingers." Caption: Alan Winde ... manufacturing sector must be prepared.