Njoli Square development project stalled by Treasury

THE Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has again hit a snag in its plans to get the long-awaited Njoli Square off the ground, with city officials saying they have waited for two years to get approval of the new design from the Treasury.

While the council approved the revised development plan in December 2015, it still needs a nod from the national Treasury, which will be responsible for funding it.

The city originally planned the cost of developing Njoli Square to be R285-million, but this has been reduced to R90-million after a revision of the plan.

Infrastructure and engineering senior director Luthando Mabhoza told councillors yesterday that a political intervention was needed to get the Treasury to explain why the plan was not being approved.

“We have an issue because the process is facilitated by the human settlements directorate and it is dealing with the Treasury,” he said.

“Perhaps the MMC and the mayor can summon the Treasury to come and explain why the precinct plan is not being approved.

“That approval of the precinct plan is the only delay.

“The Treasury promised to assist us with funding but it has been delaying since 2015,” he said.

The municipality initiated the Njoli revamp in 2003 as one of its Vision 2020 projects.

The Treasury committed the R121-million in 2009.

When completed, the precinct will house traders, a civic centre, a library and will have 7 000m² for future developments.

Councillors at the transport committee meeting were unhappy about the delays.

ANC councillor Mbulelo Gidane said the implementation of the development was a chance for the coalition government to shine.

“If you want to see progress in your performance as this coalition, you must please get this project off the ground. This will be a big achievement for this coalition if this project happens,” Gidane said.

DA councillor Sandile Rwexwana said: “It is concerning that there seems to be a shrinkage of investments to our township development. This development talks to the imbalances of the past.

“We wanted a world-class investment, but now from R285-million the project has dropped to R90-million, which is an insult to the people of this metro.”

Mabhoza said the reduction of the budget would not have an impact on the economic spinoffs envisaged for the development.

“[With] the R90-million, we just want to prepare the groundwork and facilities so that private investors can come,” he said.

Committee chairman Rano Kayser said he would organise a meeting with the Treasury where all committee members could engage on the matter.

“You can see all the facilities are still going to be there,” he said.

“In fact, the number of traders who work there has increased from 138 to 206.”