LOUIS TRICHARDT – The development of the proposed Makhado Industrial Park looks set to become a reality, with the submission of a business plan for the development of a coloured steel sheet metal and plastic processing factory.

The development is to take place in Extension 5 on Council land, which has been vacant for more than twenty years. The submission of the business plan follows months of negotiations between the Makhado Municipality and the DanDong Municipal Government in the People's Republic of China.

According to the Makhado Municipality's Acting Director of Strategic Development, Mr Vic Viljoen the development will be done by a Chinese company with the name of Weal Sweet Real Estate Development (Pty) Ltd. He said that the value of the project is in excess of R38, 1 million and that some 100 000m² of land will be required. It is also envisaged that the project will create close to 200 local job opportunities.

Mr Viljoen elaborated on the proposed factory and explained that the product is unique in the sense that to date it has not been manufactured in South Africa and many other countries. It has also not been available in the South African market. The product can be used for both walling and roofs for any type of building. The material is watertight and provides excellent insulation against both heat and cold and is guaranteed fade free for up to fourty years.

Mr Viljoen added that according to the business plan, 60% of the factory's production would be exported to other countries. He, however, said that various formalities must still be finalised but that it is envisaged that construction on the factory could begin within the next three or four months.

The submission of the business plan served before Council during its monthly Council meeting on September 25 under Item A.228.25.09.02 Council Land: Makhado Industrial Park: Development Business Plan for Colour Steel Factory. According to this item, it is recommended that the town's Municipal Manager be mandated to sell the land at 10c per m², subject to certain provisions. It is also further recommended that the Municipal Manager and Cllr Moses Tseli (Portfolio Councillor) be mandated and delegated to conclude future developments on erven in the Makhado Industrial Park (Extension 5) and negotiate selling prices between 10c per m² and the prevailing selling prices. The matter was, however, referred back to Council as no prevailing selling price was listed.