Industrial parks investments likely to boost Limpopo economy

The economic development programmes being implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) in Limpopo are seemingly making commendable impact in the province after government officials revealed that an investment of R40 million and R35 million was injected by the dti into the upgrading of the NkowaNkowa and Seshego Industrial parks respectively.
This was highlighted during a site visit to Seshego Industrial Park conducted by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Fikile Majola together with Economic Development, Environmental and Tourism MEC, Thabo Mokone on Monday.
It was learnt that the investments are part of the department’s Revitalisation of Industrial Parks programme.
A statement provided by the dti indicated that the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has an investment pipeline of more than R250 billion at the current dollar-rand exchange while the planned Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ’s investment pipeline amounts to R25 billion.
Majola was quoted to have said “As a department we are impressed by the good progress and the impressive impact that our economic development programmes have made in Limpopo.
For instance, the revitalisation of the parks which focused mainly on the security features as part of the first phase has resulted in the two parks’ occupancy rate increasing, attracted more companies to locate their operations in the parks and inspired other companies to maintain their presence in the parks or expand their operations.
The bigger and long-lasting impact of all of these was the creation of hundreds of jobs that as government we are so committed to in order to deal with the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.”
He added that the two SEZs will contribute significantly in boosting the economy of the province and the country.
These, he said, have attracted the interest of international and domestic investors that are eager to take advantage of the benefits and incentives offered by government as part of the SEZ programme.
Majola emphasised that he had learnt with glee that the Musina-Makhado SEZ will be the biggest in the country once it reaches its full operational stage.
He, however, stressed that this feat can only be achieved if the two departments work together.
Majola concluded by saying that relevant stakeholders must put shoulders
on the wheel and pull together in the same direction in ensuring that the industrial parks are fully occupied with tenants who will be able to create jobs and grow the economy.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za