Preparatory site work at the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) continues to advance in preparation for the start of construction of the pivotal oil and gas hub in August, the Western Cape government advanced in a project update on Monday.
Western Cape Economic Opportunities Minister Alan Winde outlined that, once the preparatory work had been completed, site clearance and earthworks would begin, after which construction activities, such as sewer reticulation installations, water and electrical service installations and roadworks, would advance.
Construction of the zone, which was one of several being driven jointly by the Saldanha Bay IDZ Licensing Company, the Transnet National Ports Authority and investors, would likely continue until September next year.
“Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Western Cape government and the local municipality have worked closely on this project.
“The IDZ will become a significant catalyst for growth and jobs and will play a major role in boosting foreign direct investment into the country,” said Winde, adding that the progress, to date, was the result of partnerships between all spheres of government.
Underpinned by the designation of the IDZ by the DTI, an earlier feasibility study had indicated that the development zone had the potential to generate R10-billion for the region’s economy over the longer term.
Moreover, Winde asserted that upstream and midstream services to the oil and gas industry in the region, such as rig repairs, had already provided 35 000 formal job opportunities in the province.
“We have the aspirational goal of adding up to a further 60 000 formal jobs to this sector and increasing its economic contribution up to R3-billion, from its current R1-billion.
“We seek to grow this sector by transforming Saldanha Bay into a world-class rig repair hub and by equipping local residents with the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise,” he averred.