Hammarsdale development hailed as part tackling unemployment
By SIHLE MKHIZE
KwaZulu-Natal premier, Sihle Zikalala has hailed a R1.5-billion development project near Keystone Business Park just outside the Hammarsdale interchange, saying it will go a long way to reduce poverty and unemployment in the province.
The investment by the JSE-listed Pepkor will lead to the creation of 2 200 jobs once the logistics facility is operational. Construction is expected to be concluded within the next few months.
Zikalala visited the site for the launch on Tuesday morning. He said this project is strategically located near the N3 and was benefitting from the Hammarsdale Road interchange project.
He said this was proof that a lot of good can be achieved if government and the private sector plan and work together. The premier said government will continue to ensure support for developments in the Durban Outer-west as that economic node offers huge economic benefit.
Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Ravi Pillay, who accompanied the premier to the launch said the occasion was sending a message that KZN is open for business and it is thriving.
“Patriotic business is prepared to invest in credible business in partnership with government, labour and civil society,” said Pillay.
He also challenged Pepkor to ensure that there is more local production for the Pepkor stores.
“There is a clothing and textile masterplan where clothing manufacturers and the chain stores have committed to certain targets. We would like to see your work as far as that is concerned”.
