3 small craft harbours proposed for South Coast
With Port Shepstone first on the list for construction, the development will be divided into three phases.
Three small craft harbours have been proposed for Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM), with the main one in Port Shepstone, and the others in Hibberdene and Port Edward.
Deputy Minister for Public Works Sihle Zikalala said at least two years will be needed to raise funds for the Port Shepstone harbour, at a meeting at Uvongo Town Hall recently, where he handed over a Spatial Economic Development Frameworks document to the mayor of RNM, Zodwa Mzindle.
He added the document details the plans for the harbour. Phase one focuses on pre-implementation – feasibility and planning, while phase two details the design and construction, and phase three the operation of it.
Zikalala mentioned that in terms of environmental studies it has been proven that it is easy to build a harbour on the South Coast, hence, the proposal of three in the Ugu district.
“The proposed small craft harbour of Port Shepstone will be located within a kilometre south east of the central business district, near Oribi Plaza.”
He said it would comprise retail, trade and automotive uses, office space for the private sector, harbour administrative offices, tourism which would include short stay accommodation as well as residential use.
Zikalala added the development will also help grow the fishing industry in the area, transportation, tourism and property development.
“To develop the area alone will take a few steps, including the development of the harbour itself and building a waterfront. Our first priority is to get it started and build the attractions that will bring tourists.”
The CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Vusumuzi Sibiya, said that the small craft harbour development is a flagship initiative that truly reflects full potential of the ocean economy.
“Through strong partnerships and smart investment, we are confident that this development will serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth and economic transformation along the KZN South Coast.”
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