Summit looks at development opportunities
CoGTA Head of Department and District Mayor address pros and cons at summit
WHILE delegates agree that Zululand and northern KwaZulu-Natal have the potential to thrive as a vibrant and diverse region, there are still obstacles hampering the local economy.
Speaking at the Growth and Development Summit in Richards Bay on Tuesday, hosted by the uThungulu District Municipality and KZN Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), CoGTA Head of Department Desiree Qhobosheane listed various initiatives available to overcome the region’s setbacks.
To boost tourism in Zululand, an under-performing sector, Qhobosheane highlighted the need to enhance Route 66 which stretches from Gingindlovu to Pongola, as well as heritage tourism to attract more domestic and foreign visitors.
‘We must also explore untapped opportunities in the Mfolozi, KwaMbonambi, Ntambanana and Nkandla areas given the strategic parcels of land that still require servicing and strategic packaging.
‘More support for tourism projects taking advantage of the coastal belt and cross-border relationships with Swaziland and Mozambique is also necessary,’ she added.
Other sectors mentioned by Qhobosheane that could be tapped into were the agricultural and local energy industries.
‘In responding to climate change, we need to explore alternative sources of energy and incorporate responsible practices in planning and development to mitigate future disasters,’ said Qhobosheane.
Achievements
On a positive note, District Mayor Thembeka Mchunu spoke of the region’s achievements since the last summit in 2011.
‘At the previous Growth and Development Summit we targeted several planning programmes,’ said Mchunu.
‘Some of the recommendations were the establishment of the District Development Agency; to identify the needs for social and economic development; land use schemes and committing ourselves to ensure faster infrastructure development.
‘I am pleased that progress has been made in many areas, as we have started the process to develop an entity for our fresh produce market and also a Development Agency.
‘We have several funding streams to fast-track our infrastructure projects and these are being well-managed and monitored to ensure the funds are spent according to deadlines.’
