Dube TradePort phase two goes ahead
Over the next 15 months, the project will see the movement of about four million cubic meters of earth for the platforming of the site.
After a two-year delay due to a case at the Durban high court, Dube TradeZone’s second phase is now well on its way promising to be a job creator and investment magnet.
The Dube TradePort corporation board stated the case was brought on by Aqua Transport & Plant Hire against Dube TradePort and the successful tenderer Rokwil regarding a tender dispute over the bulk earthworks preparing the ground for Dube TradeZone 2 with a contract value of about R500 million.
Aqua Transport & Plant Hire’s case was dismissed and Dube TradePort Corporation CEO Hamish Erskine said they were delighted to be back on track.
“The second phase will cover 45 hectares of prime light industrial land. It is projected that there will be 260 construction jobs and 4265 permanent jobs created. This portion of the development is also expected to attract R18 billion in private sector investment over a five-year period,” said Erskine.
“This phase will focus on the electronics sector as well as a medical and pharmaceutical’s cluster, expanding upon the investment that has already been injected into the first phase of the development with the likes of Samsung Electronics, Yangtze Optics, Africa Cable and SA Health.”
He explained that the aim with these clusters is to create a supportive environment for the industries within the precinct.
“An example is the common utilities that we will be putting in place to meet the requirements of these firms, which will play a huge role in reducing capital expenditure for investors coming into the precinct.
“This approach will also increase supply chain efficiency and, we believe over time, these industries will introduce new technologies and expertise to KZN, rapidly improving skills both within the operations and among suppliers in the local market, enabling innovation and improving the competitiveness of the province.”
Furthermore, he said the one stop shop will assist investors with a variety of services.
“These services range from details on how to apply for Special Economic Zone incentives and all other matters that relate to developing and setting up operations within the precinct, thus improving the ease of doing business for investors.”
Once the bulk earthworks are completed, the next phase will be the bulk infrastructure including roads which is expected to be completed in 2020.
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