Pretoria – The Eastern Cape’s renewable energy projects has created 18 132 jobs since its inception, says Premier Phumulo Masualle.
“We have been awarded 16 wind farms, and one solar energy farm with a total investment value of R33.7 billion,” Premier Masualle said.
Delivering his State of the Province Address on Friday, he said the province has been able to reduce load shedding because it received an additional boost for its energy security when the R3.5 billion, 342 Megawatt DEDISA peaking power station achieved commercial operation in October 2015.
With respect to the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), 430 600 work opportunities and 135 609 full time equivalent jobs have been created during this term.
The four newly established RED hubs have begun primary production of maize and sorghum crops, yielding over 3,000 tonnes. The agricultural sector has stimulated 386 permanent and 137 temporary jobs through the Jobs Stimulus Fund.
Ocean Economy
With regards to the ocean economy, the province seeks to ensure that its people derive economic benefit from the 800km of its coastline and that new economic opportunities are unleashed.
Premier Masualle said the national Departments of Public Works and of Transport have started a feasibility study that will lead to the construction of the Port St Johns fishing harbour.
“Transnet will commence with processes to establish a Maritime Training Centre at the EL Port in the first quarter of 2017/18.
“This centre will, amongst others, cater for the artisanal maritime skills required to provide quality services to the ships that dock in our ports and to the maritime industry at large,” he said.
As the province pursues its vision to set up the biggest bunkering service in the continent, offshore bunkering services were launched in May 2016 in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“This has recorded a phenomenal growth from serving 10 ships in May 2016 to 103 ships per month as at January 2017. This has also unleashed a lot of opportunities for local business,” Premier Masualle said. – SAnews.gov.za
