uMhlathuze's ambitious new airport project set to boost local economy

The City of uMhlathuze is set to embark on an ambitious new airport development project, which will signal a major turning point for the municipality as it aims to attract further investment and stimulate its local economy.

The development, which was anticipated to cost around R1.8 billion, followed the announcement of the R20 billion set-aside for the entity during the recently concluded KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) investment conference.

A pre-feasibility study concluded that a new greenfield airport (built from scratch on undeveloped land) that replaces the Richards Bay Airport was the preferred solution.

According to the municipality’s report titled: Relocation and Redevelopment of the Richards Bay Airport, the upgrade and expansion of the existing airport in the city was constrained. Therefore, the need for a new greenfield airport .

“Provincial and local economic development strategies and plans for KZN and Richards Bay all highlight the need for improving economic development and growth in the province, and recognise that strategic infrastructure (such as airports) has a significant role to play towards achieving this.

"The need for the airport is thus based on its potential to contribute towards unlocking the economic development potential of KZN and, specifically, the Richards Bay region,” the report stated.

Mayor Xolani Ngwezi said that the financial backing from investors reflected robust confidence in uMhlathuze’s dynamic and expanding economic landscape.

"I warmly welcomed the new investment projects announced by the premier of KwaZulu-Natal, the Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, during the recent KZN investment conference held early last week," Ngwezi stated.

This confidence is particularly significant in the context of the broader economic strategies discussed at the conference, which are aimed at promoting investment opportunities and solidifying KZN's reputation as a leading investment destination in Africa.

The investment conference, which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre, attracted an array of investors and industry leaders under the theme "Building a Resilient, Inclusive and Globally Competitive KwaZulu-Natal."

The event was spearheaded by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who showcased various sectors ripe for development.

Among the standout investments pledged were the Ukhozi Vanadium Electrolyte and VRFB Manufacturing Project, with R1.2 billion, the Heritage IHS Graphite Project boasting R16 billion, and the Nkosi Phalane Retail Centre set at R1.4 billion.

In addition to those projects, the municipality had also indicated several other major investments that were on the horizon, including the anticipated Ridge Shopping Centre and the container handling facility.

The project converges on the pivotal ambition to foster job creation, stimulate economic growth, and fast-track infrastructure development in the region.

Mayor Ngwezi further emphasised that the focus of his administration was to eradicate poverty, empower communities, and cultivate a thriving, inclusive economy for the residents of uMhlathuze.

The commitment to community development was underscored by the municipality's vision to create a conducive environment that attracted both local and international investors.

During the conference, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, reiterated the province's commitment to fostering a business-friendly atmosphere that championed inclusive growth.

Reflecting on the previous year's conference, Zondi noted that 17 companies pledged R85.2 billion in investments, resulting in over 82,000 job opportunities across critical sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy.

The MEC’s commitment to reducing bureaucratic obstacles and enhancing trust with investors through ethical governance was a crucial theme throughout the conference.

As KZN anticipated hosting the upcoming G20 Summit, the province was poised to further bolster its economic profile on the global stage.

"As KwaZulu-Natal, we are not just inviting investment; we are building partnerships rooted in trust, delivery, and shared prosperity," Zondi articulated.

"Together, we can create a province where opportunity is abundant, innovation thrives, and growth benefits all," he said in reinforcing the province's vision for a connected and economically empowered future.

DAILY NEWS