The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has approved R50-million in grant funding towards an estimated R1.5-billion smart city, which will integrate business, retail, commercial, industrial, hospitality and residential land uses that fulfil all requirements of a town in Nkunzama village, Limpopo.
This is according to Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina, speaking during the official launch of the Nkuna City project by the Masingita Group of Companies in Nkunzana village.
According to Gina, the DTIC has approved the funding under the Critical Infrastructure Programme. The funds will be used for bulk infrastructure, road upgrades, a sewer treatment plant, bulk electricity and a fibre connection.
The project is supported in partnership with the Collins Chabane municipality.
“Under the Critical Infrastructure Programme, the DTIC is collaborating with various municipalities to build infrastructure that unlocks economic activities and attracts investment with the aim of alleviating socioeconomic challenges,” detailed Gina.
Gina said she was motivated that the building of this city was a direct response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation speech, during which he spoke about the creation of post-apartheid smart cities.
“We are all under great pressure to create jobs and change the direction the economy is taking. The figures [provided] by Statistics South Africa on employment crisis levels, requires that we give support to everyone intending to create opportunities for our people.”
She added that this investment would unlock an estimated 8 250 construction jobs and 6 230 permanent direct jobs.