Ed Richardson
PORTNET AND the Coega Development Corporation are expected to be "on site" this month to begin work on the new export-based Industrial Development Zone and deep-water port development outside Port Elizabeth.
Eastern Cape Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism MEC Enoch Godongwana told a media briefing that national government rather than the provincial governmentwould give the authorisation to go ahead after the Environmental Impact Assessment.
This decision had been taken as "they may be able to look at it in a more objective way than we
do and we may be
perceived as biased". Godongwana said a range of submissions had been made on the designation of the Coega Industrial Development Zone.
Trade and Industry Minister Alec Erwin would now be briefed and decide what decision would be put before Cabinet.
Godongwana said there had been delays in the advertising of the main marine tender by Portnet.
This should have occurred in March and was currently going through the formal Portnet administrative processes. "We still anticipate formally being on site in July."
