Construction of phase one at Coega's multi-user facility commences

The R86m facility, which will have 6,000m² under roof, will be located on seven hectares of land to allow for future development phases. The facility will include smaller units ranging between 350m² and 1,500m² under one roof with communal infrastructure.

"We have already signed term sheets with four South African companies in the agro-processing and light manufacturing sectors," said Dr Keith du Plessis, CDC's agro-processing business development manager.

Four phases

The development will include four development phases, creating a complex of approximately 25,000m² when completed.

The multi-user facility will enable small, micro and medium enterprises (SMME's) and larger more established companies to expand their processing and value-addition activities in the Eastern Cape.

"Investment interest in the multi-user facility has been very positive. Companies interested in occupying space are welcome to contact the CDC. The Coega IDZ is a strategically important location for business. Our position sets us apart from other foreign direct investment locations," Du Plessis said.

Trade routes

"The CDC is situated at the centre of east-west trade routes serving both the world and African markets served by all the world's major shipping and logistics companies a modern, with a deep-water port and purpose-built container, bulk and break-bulk terminals," he said.

Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC head of marketing and communications, believes the project will create significant advantages particularly for SMME's through the provision of shared infrastructure.

"This facility is expected to lead to a substantial increase in investment in the agro-processing and light manufacturing industries, which could result in increased production, job creation and diversification of these sectors."

It is anticipated that construction of phase one will be completed during the first quarter of 2016.