The KwaZulu-Natal government has committed itself to supporting businesses in rebuilding the premises that were destroyed during the civil unrest earlier this week.
Premier Sihle Zikalala at the weekend addressed the media about the economic recovery efforts in the province.
“The rebuilding will include expediting building plan approvals, occupational certificate approvals and environmental-impact assessment requirements. This will ensure that the rebuilding process is quick and that most companies are back on their feet as soon as possible," he said.
The provincial government was also considering proposals to provide rates relief to businesses that can no longer operate due to the damage to their property, in addition to other support measures.
The Premier said the province was also focusing attention on providing security on corridors such as the N3 and the N2 to facilitate the smooth and secure transit of fuel and food supplies.
He noted that another focus area was ensuring the commercial viability of the province’s ports, road and rail networks.
Zikalala also announced the province’s adoption of the KwaZulu-Natal Africa Export Strategy and Implementation Plan, which was developed by Trade and Investment KZN with the aim of determining the viability of products produced in KwaZulu-Natal.
The strategy would be launched soon as part of the build-up to the Intra-African Trade Fair to be held later this year.