Durban — At least 300 000 jobs are expected to be created through catalytic projects in an attempt to boost eThekwini’s economy. This was revealed by the eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba during his oversight visits on Wednesday.
Xaba used these visits as an opportunity to update the public on ongoing projects. “This indicates that the plans we have put in place to attract investment are yielding positive results. We are working hard not to prolong the R217 billion investment in catalytic projects that are in the pipeline. When cranes are swinging and yellow plants are moving, people’s hopes are revived. We are happy that Durban has become a construction site and it clearly shows that we are open for business,” Xaba said.
North of Durban, a further 70 000 jobs are set to be created due to the Sibaya Coastal Precinct development. The full development has an estimated investment value of R48 billion and will continue until 2036.
It consists of seven nodes of mixed-use developments with a range of land uses to contain offices, retail, restaurants, educational institutions, recreational opportunities and more, to complement a residential offering.
Additionally, in the northern region, Xaba visited the Avoca Node development and learnt of new investments on site. The Avoca Development Node is a 15-year programme consisting of three precincts; Brickworks, North Fields and Caneridge measuring approximately 350 hectares in extent which has a potential capital investment of over R10.5 billion.
The upgrade to the old North Coast Road is also underway to accommodate increased traffic in the area.
Further north, in the oThongathi area, Xaba was briefed about the R6 billion Whetstone Business Park and further development in Cornubia, Dube Trade Port, Sibaya Coastal Precinct and Oceans Mall.
The Mayor was impressed with the positive impact of the R5 billion Oceans Umhlanga development, which has resulted in improved road infrastructure and enhanced the tourism value offering within the node.
The urgency in finalising the implementation of a public transport facility to service the wider uMhlanga area was also discussed.
Xaba expressed happiness as these catalytic projects and many other investment opportunities have proven that Durban is a business destination of choice.
Beginning in the Durban CBD, Xaba was briefed on the Centrum Site Development, Durban Bay Waterfront, the Point Waterfront, Rivertown, Durban Country Club, Beachwood, Virginia Airport and Durban Film City developments, each at different development facilitation stages.
In the outer west, Mayor Xaba visited the Giba Business Estate and Shongweni Developments. The Giba Business Estate is a R2 billion development targeted to further unlock the light industry, logistics and warehousing sectors of our economy, whilst at the same time providing jobs, work opportunities and improved infrastructure for the communities of Tshelimnyama and the neighbouring areas.
The Shongweni development is a R15 billion long-term investment which comprises nine precincts made up of retail, residential, commercial, logistics, industrial and business park precincts. The development of the retail and lifestyle centre called the Westown Square kickstarted the development and interest in the region. This first phase will officially open by April 2025.
“The transformation of the Shongweni region is something to look forward to in the future. The Westown Square development served to boost the confidence in the region and was followed by the investment of a R2 billion residential development by Balwin Properties. The 2000-hectare development zone will create a new city in the west, which is rising from the dust,” Xaba said.
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