Major city developments on the cards
The City of uMhlathuze aim to grow the economy and create jobs
NEW major economic developments are on the cards for the City of uMhlathuze.
This was revealed during the State of the Local Economy address (SOLE) at the Umfolozi Casino Resort in Empangeni on Friday.
According to the city Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo, developments include the relocation of the Richards Bay Airport, the construction of an International Convention Centre (ICC), office and a retail and office complex.
‘The city is partnering with the Department of Economic Development and Department of Tourism and Environment Affairs on the airport project.
‘There is already approval of R2-million for feasibility studies which will see Richards Bay becoming a regional airport facility,’ Mhlongo said.
The project will create more than 200 jobs and on completion will include an envisaged aviation school and a light cargo section.
The ICC will include a hotel that will enable sustainability and a shopping complex.
As part of the ‘smart city approach’, embracing the digital economy, Mhlongo said the city will spend R40-million on cabling which will connect main centres such as Empangeni, eSikhaleni and Richards Bay.
This connection will soon be extended to KwaDlangezwa and eNseleni.
‘We will declare certain nodes as free wi-fi parks, which will allow job seekers and small businesses free access to various e-platforms,’ said Mhlongo
Other plans include the Empangeni CBD revitalisation project, waterfront development, harbour expansion and a container terminal.
