Naval base move process outlined
A PRE-feasibility study to map out the relocation of the SA Naval Base from Durban to Richards Bay is set to be completed by the end of the year.
This is amid ongoing plans to move the navy base to the Port of Richards Bay with only a satellite station remaining in Durban.
The study, which began last month, will look into land acquisition, environmental issues and funding strategy.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said the key focus is on the SA Navy Base within Pelican and Naval Island in Richards Bay, SA Navy Satellite Station in the Port of Durban and residential facilities in Richards Bay.
TNPA portfolio director for KwaZulu-Natal Logistics Hub, Dr Bridgette Gasa-Toboti said once the pre-feasibility study is completed, 'a joint project team will table their findings to their respective governance structures for approvals'.
“An intergovernmental business case will then be developed to source funding for the development prior to being tabled at National Treasury,” said Dr Gasa-Toboti.
The relocation project is one of over 30 mega projects that constitute the KZN Logistics Hub Programme.
Last February, Dr GasaTobotisai said, “Projects of this nature are quite complex, and require a lot of finesse and sensitivity in the delivery approach.
"Precisely because the SA Navy relocation project touches on the safety of our republic, we have had to ensure all key and strategic partners are fully on board.”
The proposed move has been welcomed by economists, who believe the project could inject billions into the City of uMhlathuze.
Economist at University of Zululand, Professor Irrshad Kaseeram said, “If we are talking about an estimated R9-billion investment for the project, we are looking at about a R4-billion yearly injection into the City of uMhlathuze."