CHAMPIONING alternative energy options and revitalising the agricultural sector are at the top of the uThungulu District’s blueprint for robust economic development.
Outlining avenues to propel economic growth in the region, District Mayor Cllr Thembeka Mchunu said during her State of the District Address in Ntambanana on Thursday, creating an enabling environment for infrastructure development and job creation was critical.
In an effort to resolve the energy challenge, the mayor said the district had already initiated a pilot renewable energy project, where rural communities were successfully utilising alternative sources of energy for cooking and lighting.
Biogas projects
‘uThungulu has implemented the biogas project in two of its local municipalities, namely uMlalazi and Mthonjaneni.
‘COGTA has granted us R2,3-million for the project and six biogas units have been installed.
‘Following the success of the two pilot sites, we identified an area in dire need of our support – Edakeni which is situated in a deep rural part of uMlalazi Municipality.
‘The area has no electricity but they have more than enough cattle in their kraal to feed the digester.
‘uThungulu took a decision to construct about 70 biogas digesters here after discovering that Eskom will only provide electricity in about seven to 10 years’ time,’ Mchunu said.
The project is valued at R2-million and has benefitted over 700 people, with 51 jobs being created during the construction phase.
The district is also vigorously driving agricultural growth with the opening of the fresh produce market to develop small scale farmers.
Mchunu said the presence of the Richards Bay coastal line, the port and Industrial Development Zone placed the local economic hub in a better position to benefit from ocean economy.
‘Together with uMhlathuze, we are lobbying for a dedicated container handling facility in the Port of Richards Bay.’
