CAPE TOWN: Transnet National Ports Authority has allocated R7-billion to build new port facilities to grow South Africa’s ocean economy. Already, 200 jobs had been created in new port facilities. Over the last 12 months, existing ports had been refurbished and maintained, the Economic Sectors, Employment and Infrastructure Development cluster said yesterday.
The cluster held a media briefing in Cape Town on Tuesday, 8 March, which was chaired by Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti. The cluster said work to grow the ocean economy was gaining momentum.
“Through the public-private partnership to establish Saldanha Bay as an oil and gas hub, an investment of R9.2-billion has been realised, which will be utilised over the next five years,” Nkwinti explained.
“With 14 licences issued for oil and gas exploration, drilling of two exploration wells for potential oil and gas finds will take place along the South African coast. The investment in gas infrastructure has commenced and will contribute to energy security.”
Work on the offshore supply base has started, which will lead to Saldanha Bay attracting oil rigs for maintenance and repair. This will create secondary job opportunities for surrounding communities.
