Coega Industrial Development Zone Becoming Logistical Hub Of South Africa

Indications are that the wheels of the Eastern Cape economy are starting to turn

with export activity at the provinces commercial ports showing a marked increase from previous years. Development is booming and this region is being earmarked to become the logistics hub for South African trade. At the centre of all the excitement, surrounding this prospect is the Coega Project - a multi-billion rand industrial development complex and deepwater port 20 kilometres east of the city of Port Elizabeth. Located on the south-eastern coast of the country, the project is the first, and one of the largest, industrial development zones (IDZs) to be established in South Africa.

A recent announcement that the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) has received a major boost, with the R4,2-billion investment for the construction of a manganese smelter plant has placed this region in the spotlight.

The company behind the project, Kalagadi Manganese Resources, said: "For us the investment confirms our belief in the Coega IDZ as a key strategic driver of industrialisation in the province. The investment will boost investor confidence in the Nelson Mandela Bay and the province in general. The production of Ferromanganese will be a catalyst for the development of the metals beneficiation cluster in Coega,"

They are predicting that this development will result in the creation of 1 000 construction jobs

in the initia project and a l phase of thefurther 400 permanent jobs including freight jobs

, are expected when operational. The economic benefits of having the smelter built in the Eastern Cape are expected to translate into about R2.7-billion about 3% of the provinces 2007 GDP.

In addition the South Africa's Port of Ngqura in Port Elizabeth is thriving, with more than 400% increase in vessel arrivals since it opened in October 2009. Nearby rail and road transport infrastructure have also been completed, including links to the port, to the 12-000ha Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), to the existing Port Elizabeth-Gauteng main railway line, as well as to the existing N2 highway.

The intention is to develop the port further up the Coega River Valley and southwest along the coast. One thing is for sure that now is the time to join the freight industry in South Africa, especially in the light of on-going growth and expansion plans of national and international concerns.

If you are in need of qualified staff, Communicate Personnels Freight division specialises in both sales and operations in the clearing and forwarding, courier, road freight and supply chain industries. Contact us today.

by: Tshidi Mapeka

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