The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the R21-million first phase of the Seshego Industrial Park revitalisation project, in Polokwane, which is aimed at promoting industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.

Trade and Industry Minsiter Dr Rob Davies, Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha, Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC Seaparo Sekoati and Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) MD Ben Mphahlele attended the launch on Thursday.

The Seshego Industrial Park is the second industrial park to be launched as part of the first phase revitalisation of such parks by the DTI.

Davies last month launched the Botshabelo Industrial Park in the Free State.

Davies on Thursday pointed out that the revitalisation of Seshego Industrial Park formed part of the R189-million invested in ten prioritised parks under the DTI’s Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme. He said the upgrades to the parks include the provision of security, electricity, roads, bulk water supply and sewage treatment infrastructure.

“The revitalisation of the Seshego Industrial Park will promote the growth of small businesses and cooperatives, attract investments and encourage the undertaking of local manufacturing,” he added.

DTI Seshego Industrial Park project manager Shaun Moses told Engineering News Online that the first phase of the upgrade of the park was scheduled to be completed by the end of August.

To date, security upgrades to the Seshego Industrial Park have included the installation of 7.5 km of perimeter fencing, closed-circuit television systems, upgraded guard huts and security lighting.

Moses highlighted that the park had a 96% occupancy rate, with 72 companies operating within it. He added that LEDA, in conjunction with the DTI, was also assisting companies in the park by offering business mentoring and, where possible, providing the businesses with networking opportunities with other locally-based enterprises.