Kwazamokuhle may soon have its own supermarket, with a large and established supermarket chain already showing interest in the proposed project.

The applicant applied for the property to construct the supermarket since, according to the applicant, the community currently relies solely on Somalian-owned shops.

The aim is to promote local economic ‘empowerment and pride’ with the locally managed shopping facility.

The proposed property is currently zoned for community purposes after having been reserved for a community hall.

However, since the hall has been constructed, the applicant seeks approval to repurpose the land for commercial use.

Furthermore, a number of jobs will be created with the development.

The 6 050m² property is subdivided into seven portions, though the subdivision was never finalised and not registered at the Deeds Office.

A taxi rank has also been established, leaving a 1 252m² remainder for the development.

The municipality has requested both a site development plan as well as a funding model, with services, excluding electricity, available nearby.

The proposed properties, namely portions 3, 4 and 5 of Erf 3672, are accessible from Stanley Titiboy Zulu Street.

Only a few informal shops and a tavern currently exist in the area.

The purchase of the properties was set to be approved during Tuesday’s council sitting, on the condition that development plans and funding models be submitted. In addition, clear access points have to be identified.

A council source told Middelburg Observer ahead of the sitting that no commitment is being made, and that approval in principle does not constitute an agreement.

The market value of the properties stands at R146 000 each, according to the source.