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Coega aquaculture zone seen holding big jobs potential

12th September 2014

By: Sashnee Moodley

Senior Deputy Editor Polity and Multimedia

  

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The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is preparing to leverage its strategic coastal position to develop the Eastern Cape economy through proposed aquaculture development zones (ADZ), with a proposed R2-billion project aiming to contribute $278-million to the gross domestic product and create up to 5 000 jobs in the region.

CDC head of marketing and communications Dr Ayanda Vilakazi tells Engineering News that, in its development framework, the CDC has designated land in Zone 10 of the Coega industrial development zone for aquaculture activities.

The CDC last month announced plans for the development of the R2-billion aquafarming facility on 300 ha of land in Zone 10 following a feasibility study which indicated that local conditions were well suited for the commercial cultivation of marine animals and plants, including abalone, finfish and seaweed.

“Jobs will be created during the construction stage of the proposed aquafarm and, once completed, several skilled, semiskilled and professional jobs will be created to assist in the commercial cultivation of marine species. The CDC is targeting about 5 000 permanent jobs through this initiative.”

At this stage, the CDC will operate as a landlord while various aquaculture facilities will operate their own operations inside the ADZ. The CDC is still developing a strategy around the supply of seawater to the various investors.

He adds that the project is unique and will support the drive to maritime economic development envisioned by local leaders in the Nelson Mandela Bay region, in the Eastern Cape.

Further, the CDC believes that the development will have a substantial positive impact on the socioeconomic conditions of people living in the area.

South African fisheries are considered to be fully used and high-value fisheries products, including abalone, prawns and line fish, are largely overexploited, Vilakazi says, adding that it is now internationally accepted that the increased supply of fish products to meet this demand will be sourced through aquaculture.

“The primary motivation for the project is to stimulate investment and economic growth in the Eastern Cape and South Africa. This project will contribute tremendously to the CDC’s vision of being the leading catalyst for socioeconomic growth. The CDC would like to see thousands of jobs being created, while, at the same time, playing a crucial role in protecting the environment,” he states.

The deep-water Port of Ngqura will also play a strategically important role as it is ideal for the maintenance of the cold chain required by aqua-farmed produce.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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