Industrial ‘hot’ plot set for infrastructure development
Richards Bay industrial plot beckons more than R6.5-billion in investments.
THE Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) has proposed to start the installation of bulk infrastructure services on the vacant 121 hectare industrial site bordering Tata Steel in Alton.
The hefty industrial estate, known as RBIDZ’s Phase 1F, will accommodate a variety of industries such as a R4.5-billion Nyanza Light Metals pigment plant, a R2-billion Hope Energy renewable power plant and a R40-million waste oil recycling plant by the Oasis Group of Companies.
In its application to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), RBIDZ indicated the development would significantly increase opportunities and uplift both the regional and national economy.
‘It is an integral part of government’s macro-economic policy to develop South Africa’s manufacturing sector by encouraging investment in export-orientated manufacturing industries,’ said RBIDZ.
‘This will be centered on beneficiation of the country’s natural resources, thereby creating opportunities for employment.
‘RBIDZ seeks to install all the necessary infrastructural services to make this precinct attractive to the investors.’
If the DEA gives the group the nod, services installed will include internal roads, sewer infrastructure, railway infrastructure, internal electrical and information systems, water mains, a gas network and storm water infrastructure.
All civil work is hoped to be finalised by the last quarter of 2016.
‘As a transformation platform, RBIDZ is looking forward to expanding industrial activities in Richards Bay to not only bring down the unemployment rate, but also cascade opportunities to local SMMEs (small, medium and macro enterprises) and suppliers, creating much needed job opportunities in the region,’ said RBIDZ Acting CEO Mohlomi Nkopane.
