Government helps informal traders with better facilities

By ANDILE MOSHOESHOE

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs has invested R39-million to enhance informal economy infrastructure development.

This is a turnaround strategy mainly focusing on improving and supporting informal traders. This includes the construction of stalls, renovation of trading stalls and refurbishment of trading and toilet facilities in the province’s taxi and bus ranks.

Kokstad is amongst the priority areas in the province, entrusted to launch the programme. Some municipalities topping the list are Msunduzi, Ukhahlamba and uMvoti, with R14.5-million invested in them.

The further R24.5-million has been invested in Manguzi, Hlabisa, Scottburgh, Folweni, Newcastle and eMadlangeni.

“When we budgeted for this development, we had to ask ourselves, which municipalities that are most organised and best placed to make the best advantage and use the allocated funds effectively… We were however quick to conclude that Kokstad will be one of those municipalities,” said MEC Pillay.

Pillay said this forms part of economic recovery as it is a known fact that small businesses play a pivotal role in creating job opportunities.

“We are doing this because we want you to own this programme and be part of it from the start and once completed, we shall decide about the next step and that will be in your own advantage,” Pillay said.

He urged government workers to spend part of their salaries on informal traders.  “We want informal trading areas to look attractive so that you can all come and spend your money on them,” said Pillay.

Kokstad mayor, Bheki Mtolo raised the issue of crime in the informal trading areas, labelling them as filthy and unattractive to consumers. He said this is a direction to ensure that the township economy rotates amongst its people.