City spearheads township revitalisation projects
The municipality plans to implement what they brand as Township Economy Revitalisation and Modernisation Initiatives in eSikhaleni, eNseleni, Ngwelezane and Vulindlela.
REVITALISATION of the township economy in uMhlathuze has been identified as one of the keys to reviving growth in the region.
Delivering his State of the City address at the eSikhaleni FET sports fields on Saturday, Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo highlighted the municipality’s plans to implement what they branded as Township Economy Revitalisation and Modernisation Initiatives in eSikhaleni, eNseleni, Ngwelezane and Vulindlela.
‘As approved by Council, the initiatives will focus on identifying, auditing and developing key growth sectors within the townships to allow for absorption of SMMES, skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour force into formal and informal economy.
‘The sectors will include transport, urban agriculture, creative industries such as arts and fashion, cultural heritage tourism, food and beverage retail, light manufacturing and artisanal industries, eventing and catering, leisure, lodging and health and medicine.
‘As part of the Vukuphile Learnership Programme, we have allocated R10-million worth of construction projects directly to SMMEs without opening bidding to other contractors and more will be allocated next financial year.’
He added the municipality has in the past year been engaging with township entrepreneurs to improve representation of small business owners and properly prepare for effective strategies to strengthen the rural economy.
In addition, rural economic nodes such as Mevamhlophe, Mashinini, Ndabayakhe, Port Durnford, Nhlenganyuke and Chibini will be prioritised.
‘We are progressively completing the feasibility plans for key nodes, evaluating their potential commercial viability and explored the opportunity to mobilise partnerships with the private sector.
‘We have also exploited the possibilities of availing funding for infrastructure development and promoting rural economic connectivity.
‘The plans will be completed and ready for implementation in 2019.’
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