Page 7 - Business Sense-11.2 Brian Howarth- ebook

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND STRATEGIC

PARTNERSHIPS DRIVING DURBAN’S GROWTH

here is currently a in Durban,” Curtis explains. these developments. “The term
significant drive to invest “The President has replicated ‘public-private partnership’ has
Tin infrastructure in this approach with a specific been used for years, but now
eThekwini. Russell Curtis, a key focus on Durban through the it is time to move beyond talk
figure in investment promotion Presidential eThekwini Working and take action,” Curtis asserts.
for the city, emphasizes the Groups (PEWG). For just over a “National Government and the
importance of reflecting on past year, these working groups have eThekwini Metro Council are
achievements as a benchmark for been dedicated to infrastructure determined to implement specific
future progress. improvements, including power, projects with clear investment
water, roads, as well as tourism pathways for business. We are
“We need to remind ourselves enhancement, in collaboration also seeing similar initiatives
where we once were because it with business leaders and across entities like Transnet,
serves as a benchmark to show government officials.” Umgeni Water, and ACSA
that we can get back there again,” (Airports Company South
Curtis states. “Not that long Private Sector Investment Africa), signalling a new era of
ago, Durban was recognised Opportunities tangible collaboration.”
as having the best electricity One of the most notable
distribution network on the developments is the allocation Investment Appeal
African continent. It was awarded of an additional R10 billion to Durban’s strategic location The Kings Park Swimming Pool is undergoing a major revamp, which is
Blue Drop status for some of the significantly improve water and further enhances its investment expected to be completed by the end of April.
world’s highest-quality tap water. sanitation. Curtis highlights appeal. Curtis compares the city
According to the TomTom Traffic this as part of a broader effort to other South African metros,
Index, Durban was once the least to revamp infrastructure. “We emphasising its unique balance
congested metro in South Africa, saw how sustained efforts from of economic opportunity and
ensuring smooth transportation business and government, along lifestyle. “We acknowledge that
for both commerce and daily life. with international support – Johannesburg is the economic
These are accomplishments that particularly from partners like hub of the continent and that
show we were there before, and the USA – helped address the Cape Town offers a strong
we are getting back there again.” electricity crisis. Now, similar tourism appeal. However, Durban
attention is being given to offers the best of both worlds –
Ongoing Improvements water and sanitation,” he notes. business, lifestyle, culture, and
Acknowledging the “Beyond funding, there is also entertainment – all in one city,”
infrastructure challenges South an institutional restructuring of he explains.
Africa – and Durban in particular the water authorities taking place
– has faced in recent years, Curtis to enhance efficiency and speed As eThekwini moves forward
remains optimistic about ongoing up delivery. Over the next three with infrastructure renewal,
improvements. “I am absolutely years, more than R3 billion per Curtis encourages both local
convinced that some of the worst annum will be invested into this and international investors After undergoing extensive rehabilitation and safety improvements, the
is behind us, and everyone is revamped approach, in addition to to engage with our region’s Buffelsdraai Landfill Site is set to reopen to the public in two phases as
doubling down to restore electricity eThekwini’s own capital budget, numerous opportunities. “From from next month.
reliability, potable water quality, which is already substantial.” inner-city regeneration to our
sanitation, roads, and bridges,” Curtis also points to promising beachfront revitalisation, Durban
he affirms. He attributes this private sector investment is on a strong turnaround
progress to strategic partnerships opportunities within Durban’s trajectory. The Golden Mile, for
between business leadership and infrastructure. “One of the example, is already seeing visible
government leadership, which have pure private sector investment improvements, with enhanced
gained momentum at both the opportunities we are working on safety and cleanliness ensuring a
national and metropolitan levels. is a package of two new regional world-class experience. Now is the
time to invest, build, and be part of
“At the national level, wastewater treatment works, a Durban’s next great chapter.” 
partnerships such as the project valued at around €100
National Logistics Crisis million. We are engaging with Russell Curtis
Committee have been international and local partners to E: Russell.Curtis@durban.gov.za
instrumental in addressing port bring in approximately R2 billion W: www.invest.durban | www.durban.gov.za
logistics challenges, and now for this public-private partnership
similar efforts are being made in initiative,” he says. “This is a real
opportunity for those with the
water, safety, and security. We’re right expertise and investment
already enjoying these Business appetite.”
Partnership benefits in electricity Blundell Road Bridge: The City was last year allocated disaster reconstruction
generation. This collaboration Public-private partnerships are and recovery fund to the tune of R1.5 billion. Blundell Road Bridge is one the
has already started to deepen seen as a crucial mechanism for more than 455 roads projects that the funds have been utilised for.

BUSINESS FAIR EMPOWERS ENTREPRENEURS

he City’s signature with approximately 9 000 visitors old to explore entrepreneurship. Hub and the KwaNozaza ICT Chairperson of the City’s
Durban Business Fair eager to explore locally made Participants showcased their Hub. These initiatives aim to Economic Development and
Texhibition continues products and support exhibitors. business ideas, answering revitalise the township economy, Planning Committee Councillor
to play a pivotal role in questions on their business create jobs, and offer skills to Thembo Ntuli said: “We are
empowering small, medium, The fair’s significance was plans. The top ten participants communities. An inspiring happy that this initiative,
and micro enterprises (SMMEs). amplified by its focus on were awarded Business Women Economic Empowerment aimed at SMME development,
This platform connects SMMEs empowering entrepreneurs, Administration NQF Level 5 session brought industry experts continues to attract private
with industry role-players, new with a standout feature being a bursaries worth R50 000 each. together to discuss women in sector interest and public
clientele, investors, financial collaboration with New Bridge business. Additionally, the support. Public-private
institutions, and like-minded Graduate Training Institute. Another highlight of the Junior Chambers International partnerships are crucial for
entrepreneurs. The partnership hosted a fair was the Construction launched their upcoming Africa
pitching session aimed at Development Indaba which and Middle East Conference set SMME success, contributing
The North Regional Durban empowering unemployed youth showcased opportunities like to take place on 21 and 22 May to economic growth and
Business Fair was well attended, aged between 18 and 35 years the Bridge City-KwaMashu Safe in Durban. community development.” 

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