The Herald Editorial: Nelson Mandela Bay has been at the forefront of the development of renewable energy resources with the result it is envisaged that as much as R2-billion worth of investment could be attracted by a raft of projects over the next five years.
This is in a variety of areas such as wind farms and solar water heating bringing with it employment opportunities badly needed in a metro with an unemployment rate estimated at above 35%.
It is also encouraging that the Cacadu District Municipality and Development Bank of Southern Africa have taken the initiative and are behind a drive to consolidate the region’s position as the leading producer of renewable energy and establishing Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City as the country’s primary centres for the manufacturing of renewable energy machinery.
It is also encouraging that the East London industrial development zone is developing a Provincial Energy Strategy for the provincial government so that the required framework exists for the development of the sector. As has been pointed out before, the provincial economy relies far too heavily on the automotive sector and therefore any initiative that seeks to advance diversification must be welcomed, especially as the potential for the creation of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities is significant.
Our major area of concern is that, despite the fact Nelson Mandela Bay is the acknowledged leader in the field, the political will to ensure that the metro and Buffalo City are established as the primary centres for the manufacture of renewable energy machinery does not exist, or that the intensity of the lobbying required to make this a reality will not be forthcoming. We would point to the fears expressed at the recent Economic Summit with regard to whether the planned PetroSA oil refinery will be sited within the Coega industrial development zone or not and whether the Port of Ngqura will be designated as the country’s transshipment hub. Durban is seeking both.
Provincial and local government must not be reticent in seeking to attract investment and must engage at a national level at every opportunity to ensure that the power houses of Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal do not simply seize every opportunity.
We need to be more direct and if necessary abrasive in our dealings with national government to ensure other regions do not benefit at the expense of the people of the Eastern Cape.
By The Herald Editorial
Article Source: Times LIVE
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