Bay energy plant still on the cards
KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala, says the department is working towards ensuring that gas-to-power is implemented in the province. Speaking at a post-budget policy breakfast at the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) on Wednesday, Zikalala said they remain committed to the announcement two years ago that Richards Bay will be the hub for a gas-to-power energy plant. ‘We hope to undertake a feasibility study before the end of this year.’ In line with this, Zikalala said the RBIDZ is on track to conclude the purchase of a piece of land earmarked for a 2 000 to 3 000 megawatt gas-topower plant, as well as another 162 hectare site where the old Bayside aluminium smelter is located. ‘The acquisition of these properties, valued at a combined R407-million, will more than double the RBIDZ’s land footprint. ‘The total value of pipeline investment is R12.2-billion, with 3 696 construction jobs and 1 939 permanent jobs expected,’ he said. Zikalala also emphasised the need for the two ports in KZN to complement each other. ‘KZN has two ports - Durban as the busiest and Richards Bay the deepest. We have always said the two must complement each other. ‘We oppose the argument that because there is a decline of containers in Richards Bay, no facilities should be deployed there. ‘Our strategic perspective is that Durban will remain the port that handles containers, while Richards Bay will continue to deal with bulk cargo,’ Zikalala said. He said they will also continue to maintain the industrialisation strategy focusing on infrastructure and skills development, as well as entrepreneurship. ‘There will be a dedicated focus in supporting SMMEs and cooperatives, among others through partnerships with all nine TVET colleges in the province. ‘Each college will have at least 53 cooperatives and SMMEs to train, incubate and mentor up until they become selfsustainable.