An investment of R501 million has been made to small harbours in the Western Cape as part of a major refurbishment programme.
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A total of 13 proclaimed fishing harbours in the Western Cape are set to benefit from the Small Harbours Repairs and Maintenance Programme, a strategic infrastructure programme aimed at improving efficiency, revitalise the local economy, and to serve the local fishermen, tenants and surrounding communities.
The programme is led by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
As per the South African Government News Agency, the programme has contributed to the removal of sunken vessels, dredging of the harbour basins, repairs to slipways, shore crane replacements, security, civil and electrical infrastructure upgrades.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Sihle Zikalala, says the goal is to see economic boom and small businesses benefitting from the ocean economy. ‘We are monitoring the work that has been done to date in both Saldanha and Hout Bay Harbours. The improvements will boost economic activity in these areas. We want to attend speedily to the remaining bottle necks such as the long term leases, security of the harbours, land for human settlement purposes, localisation and empowerment of previously disadvantaged communities in the economic value chain of the harbours.
‘These upgrades are a clear commitment of ensuring port efficiency and guaranteeing the economic future of our country.’
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