Waterfront plans can only be major boost for the city

Big plans are on the horizon that could change the face of the East London beachfront and harbour. Buffalo City Metro mayor Xola Pakati announced a major project that will include the development of a fully-fledged waterfront, the expansion of the car terminal and deepening of the port entrance to allow larger vessels passage. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the metro, Transnet and the ELIDZ to realise this new vision for the city.

For now, the powers-that-be are keeping mum as to just how much money would be injected into the upgrades and the timeframes for work to be completed.

Already there is much excitement from government and business about the economic potential such an investment can unlock - not only for East London but for the broader Eastern Cape.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs and opportunities will potentially be created. With a bleak economic outlook and a province where a little over 45% of citizens find themselves without a job, the news provides a flicker of hope.

The development of a waterfront will also be a major boost for the city’s tourism industry.

Each year, East London hosts major events - some with an advertising value of millions of rands - that have positive economic spinoffs for local businesses.

The city has developed a reputation as somewhat of a sporting destination by hosting a number of events such as the Standard Bank 70.3 Ironman, the Discovery Surfers Marathon and Buffalo Regatta, to name a few. During the festive season, revellers are also drawn to our shores for a variety of festivals, including Buyel’Ekhaya Music Festival and London Roots. Sadly, the beachfront in its current form does very little to attract tourists.

However, only time will tell if the plans announced by the mayor this week will come to fruition. Grand plans to revitalise the East London beachfront have been touted in the past, only for the excitement to fizzle out and for the plans to become yet another pipe-dream.

It is the responsibility of key roleplayers within the metro, the different spheres of government and business to ensure these development plans are implemented and the full potential of the city is realised.

EL hosts major events with advertising value of millions of rands - with economic spinoffs