Chinese investment in city’s ‘sport precinct’
A SO-CALLED “extreme sport precinct” around the Big Hole could see Chinese investment in Kimberley.
The city’s executive mayor, Mangaliso Matika, said during the tabling of the draft budget report for 2018/19, that the city’s leaders had “met with the Chinese investors in this regard and they seem eager to take up this opportunity”.
“The development of this precinct will augment the existing features in and around the Big Hole such as the Skate Park, the De Beers Big Hole, the Conference Centre and many more opportunities. Investors are expected to conduct their own feasibility studies and proposals in this regard and will be assisted with the development processes.”
A draft Spacial Development Framework, adopted recently by the city council has identified key spatial structural elements for developing the municipality and also promoting integration amongst communities via the spatial transformation zones in the Carters Glen area and the MacDougal mixed-use precinct.
Matika pointed out that the municipality had identified various precincts and nodes in order to underpin investment in the previously marginalised areas, such as the agricultural precinct in Ritchie and the Galeshewe secondary node, which will entail the Nelson Mandela proposed precinct and complimentary activities, as well as a leisure and conferencing node in the Riverton area and the extreme sport precinct around the Big Hole.
The MacDougal precinct, which extends up to the Gariep Mediclinic Hospital, will create an opportunity for small to medium businesses. “The latest development in this precinct is the optometrist building that is nearing completion.”
Funding
The Nelson Mandela precinct in Galeshewe will be developed “piece-meal” using internal, donor and grant funding.
“The development of the existing library is in the planning stage and sod-turning is expected soon.”
Matika announced that the council would be hosting the Mandela family and the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality later this month to discuss various issues regarding the twinning agreement as well as matters specific to the development of the precinct itself. Mandla Mandela is also expected to attend.
Other precincts being developed is the Galeshewe Light Industrial Park which is aimed at developing and accommodating local businesses, “especially the SMME’s in sectors such as plumbing, carpentry, electrician, seamstresses and mechanics who are operating from home, in their garages, and providing them with an opportunity to run their businesses more efficiently and effectively”.
The same light industry is envisaged for Greenpoint.
Matika added that there was also a potential for more government offices, creating a potential for a CBD factory area.
“The CBD factory area, which includes the Jeff and Company and surrounding buildings, can be upgraded or rather be demolished for the erection of multi-use structures that can accommodate offices, convenience stores and accommodation (flats etc). We need high-rise buildings to enhance the city and make use of the available space more economically and efficiently.”
He stressed that the implementation of all these precincts depended largely on land and infrastructure availability.
Referring to land, Matika added that a long term view on human settlement was also needed. “But we must admit that our options in this regard are limited and leave us with very little possibilities.”
He said the Mayoral Committee had requested the administration to do a presentation on all municipal properties currently being leased out and to give advice on how these properties could be used to address the pressing matter of human settlement.
“A full report will be tabled in the next Mayoral committee meeting and appropriate measures will be put in place to return all such properties to the municipality for the benefit of all its citizens.”
Local
Matika also used the meeting to announce that all business tenders adopted by the municipality from April 1 would have to comply with the 30% local requirement.
“We are sitting with youth unemployment, poverty is ravaging our communities and the indigent register is getting longer and longer. We need to take advantage of the EPWP Programme and assist graduates by creating internship opportunities and on-the-job training.”
Matika also referred to the non-attendance of councillors at meetings, stating that the “matter has been continuing for a while and if not addressed will compromise the standing of this council”.
“There is an alarming rate at which councillors do not attend committee meetings and in some cases council meetings. The failure of municipal committees to convene will have a very negative impact on the general performance of the broader council, and as result will affect its ability to fulfil its mandate.
“I wish to call on all councillors to respect not only the council, but the broader public that has entrusted us with their trust in allowing us the honour to be their stewards. Let us not betray the trust and confidence shown in us . . . it is important that our work ethics reflect the growth and development of this institution.”
He urged political parties to start implementing the Code of Conduct for councillors.