Approximately R50 million has been approved for the first phase of the Ekandustria Industrial Park revitalisation programme, according to the deputy director-general for special economic zones and economic transformation at the Department of Trade and Industry (dti), Sipho Zikode.
“The R50-million budget will address the installation of the security fence, the refurbishment of the water treatment plant and the repair of the roofs which have since fallen into a state of dilapidation,” he said during a visit to the park in Bronkhorstspruit last week.
Zikode also noted that assessments had already been performed on the site, a contractor had been appointed and the protocol agreement – which specifies the role and responsibilities of each stakeholder – had been signed.
Chairperson of the select committee on trade and international relations, Eddy Makue, added: “Operators within this facility stand to benefit from electricity rebates and a reduction in rental and transportation costs for delivering goods outside to the broader market.”
According to the dti, once the park is revitalised, it will enhance its investor occupancy rate, drive retention and expansion, and contribute to the economy both locally and nationally.
