While the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade & Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA) is under investigation by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) for suspected corruption and financial misconduct, it continues to prove itself incapable of creating an environment conducive for the sustained creation of economic opportunities in the Northern Cape.
This comes as management of the construction at the Upington Industrial Park (UIP) continues to be a hindrance rather than a help to local businesses. It was originally intended that the province’s first Special Economic Zone would be designated in Upington, but refusal from the department of Trade & Industry to sign off on the necessary applications meant that the UIP would be developed instead.
The completion of the park is long overdue. In its own paperwork, NCEDA estimates that all preliminaries, fencing, access roads, guard houses, gates, stormwater drainage and electricity would be completed by 31 May 2022.
Roads within the park remain in a terrible condition and the main access gate has been closed since September last year. This has created a great disturbance to residents and disrupted traffic flow, as the road is now being used as an offloading zone.
The premises were left without electricity after construction work damaged a cable on Sunday 19 May. By midday on Monday 20 May, the fault had not even been traced. Electrical supply was only restored by 18:00 on Tuesday 21 May, meaning that two full business days were lost. When basic services are in such a shambles, it is impossible for companies to do business profitably in the Northern Cape.
Instead of managing these risks and implementing the necessary contingencies, however, NCEDA is leaving residents and local businesses in the dark. Despite the efforts of local DA councillor, Flip van der Steen, there’s been poor communication from NCEDA and the contractor.
Ultimately, it is only the DA that can rescue local businesses and offer meaningful support to restore the Northern Cape’s economic footing.