Sod-turning of a multibillion rand development for Parys is set for Friday at the Parys Golf & Country Estate, during the official launch of the Selete Precinct. The mega development along the R59 near the Parys Airfield and the Parys Golf & Country Estate, will include a solar plant, rehabilitation of the Parys Airfield to operate as a strategic freight hub, a comprehensive medical campus with student accommodation, private primary and high school, a stepdown facility, truck stop, hotel and retail centre. This is according to project owner, Dr Eric Molefe during a media briefing on Thursday. He was accompanied by Ngwathe’s Executive Mayor, Victoria de Beer-Mthombeni.

As a young banker Molefe was responsible for the development of the Partuma Hotel in Tumahole 35 years ago. He has been in business for many years starting the first BEE oil company, and led the founding of JCI Mining, he said, adding that he has a track record of developing.

When asked why Parys, Molefe said he wants to invest where his roots are. During the briefing Molefe outlined the extensive development plans designed to boost local resources, promising thousands of job opportunities.

He anticipates construction teams to be on site in February once all plans are submitted and as soon as council gives the final go-ahead. The development projects will run concurrently with completion estimated within two to three years.

Finalising of medical equipment suppliers will also be done in January. Molefe said the hospital development is done in partnerships with the University of the Free State and makes provision for a 400 bed medical training facility. He said as developers they partnered with one of the largest German medical equipment suppliers. “We went there to source the best intellectual capital and best expertise. For the stepdown facility we are looking at about 120 beds but plans are not yet finalised,” he added.

The planned private schools will be situated close to the medical precinct.

He said as developers they will work hand in hand with the council and regulating authorities in terms of aviation requirements for the development at the airfield. The land on which the airfield is, belongs to the municipality.
Molefe did not give clarity on where the hotel will be but confirmed that they are looking at two possible sites for a 5-Star Hotel. The truck stop and service station will be along the R59 before the airfield.
The mega development will be done by Rand Holdings, Molefe said.

In terms of how the development will affect infrastructure and service delivery in Ngwathe, burdened with serious challenges for years, the Mayor said Council approved the Special Development Plan last week, and that the municipality has raised their challenges in terms of water and electricity with the developers. She said the developers will assist with infrastructure where needed. “We are in the process of upgrading our water treatment plant, and if there is a need to expand, we will be able to sit with the developers,” she said.

According to the mayor the development will generate income for the municipality and eradicate poverty through job creation. She emphasised the positive impact the development will have on tourism, education, healthcare and local economic and infrastructure development, strongly supported by Ngwathe’s Municipal Manager Dr Mothamaha.

According to the mayor, Molefe approached the municipality earlier this year for a presentation. “After the presentation he promised to be back and he kept his promise. This is not just another project that will disappear. The plans are there and provincial departments have been involved to ensure we get this project running.” She promised the municipality’s support in ensuring that municipal red tape does not get in the way of the investment.

Molefe concluded that he will bring the best of professional competancy who knows the area. “Before we started the project an eight months study had been done on how to support the municipality. As bankers we are able to bring in donar funding,” he added.