Not all doom and gloom in Sheppie
Various projects are set to boost Sheppie's economy
THE is a ray of hope for the South Coast with Port Shepstone and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality having at least five massive projects under construction.
Although at first some criticised plans to develop the CBD and some parts of the coastal area, saying they were a little too ambitious, the results so far are pleasing.
Five projects, worth a total of R400-million, are currently being constructed.
One is the Port Shepstone Maritime Museum, which in its final stages of construction.
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Other projects include the upgrade of the Port Shepstone Library and the Department of Education offices, the upgrading of Merlewood Primary and the construction of Justice Park.
The developments are set to boost the economy and revenue for the municipality to the tune of millions through possible investment opportunities, tourism benefits, skills transfer to locals and job creation.
At least 500 casual, semi-permanent and permanent jobs have been created as a result.
About the projects:
* Maritime Museum
With a total cost of R17.3 million, this project is expected to be fully completed in the next few months.
According to the municipality, it will feature a state-of-the-art amphitheatre which will serve as a viewing area with a big screen and will accommodate about 50 to 60 people. Spokesman for the municipality, Simon April, says the main exhibition area is triple the size of the previous museum and is backed by the three archive storerooms.
“Other features include ablutions for disabled people, a boardroom with electronic conference facilities, two offices, 11 surveillance cameras and a cleaner’s room.”
Mr April says this project will also bring life into the coastal belt.
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* Public Library
A modern three-storey building is currently under construction at the Port Shepstone Civic Centre and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2018.
Mr April says the revamp will cost a total of R53-million and the building is set to attract about 5 000 enrolled members as compared to the 3 851 current members.
It will also offer a wifi hot-spot, two group activities’ rooms, educational toy section, gaming room with Playstation, discussion rooms and a covered outdoor area.
“A fully fledged cyber café with a special needs area that will house computers for partially sighted and blind people will be part of this state-of-the-art development.”
An undercover parking area will also be made available for library and civic centre users.
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* Justice Park
This project, with a total cost of R285-million, came at a time when a new magistrates’ court was needed to address the issue of insufficient offices for prosecutors and a shortage of court rooms and security measures.
According to project managers, the complex will have 19 offices and 16 courts and will be divided into three main components; namely, an administration section, main court complex and a prisoners’ section.
There will also be a high level of security as well as parking for 255 vehicles.
Mr April said that, in addition, this project will generate income for the municipality in the form of the consumption of electricity, water and rates.
Other notable developments include the Department of Education’s building revamp as well as the Merlewood Primary upgrade, which it is set to cost more than R31-million.
Mr April added that future developments done by public-private partnership or by private developers will surely create employment opportunities for South Coast communities.
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