22 October 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Calls for Land to Support Fresh Produce Market Initiative
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Calls for Land to Support Fresh Produce Market Initiative
22 October 2024
Since May 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) engaged the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to secure a land transfer of 15 to 30 hectares for a Fresh Produce Market. During an engagement on 19 October 2024, Councillor Hilton Stroebel, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Property and Asset Management, participated in discussions with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure regarding the same request. He emphasized that the proposed land and projects align with national and provincial development goals, stating: “These land parcels are essential for creating sustainable economic opportunities for our communities.”
Under the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, Section 84(1)(k), GRDM, like other District Municipalities are allowed to develop and manage fresh produce markets and abattoirs that serve a significant portion of the municipality. A feasibility study and business plan have already been developed for this, which are aimed at supporting both subsistence and commercial farmers throughout the agricultural value chain.
Further to the above, local campuses of Nelson Mandela University and the Western Cape College of Nursing also inquired whether GRDM can negotiate additional land for the development of student accommodation.
GRDM has therefore, since this calendar year, formally requested the transfer of several properties located in George to the District – a response is awaited. Some of the properties are located within residential zones and Priority Human Settlements and Housing Development Areas, making them ideal business nodes with convenient access to public transport, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers.
More about the event where lobbying took place
At the event on 19 October, the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure established a task team and working streams to help speed up the transfer of Forestry Villages to Local Municipalties and also the properties that GRDM requested to have under its ownership. All stakeholders at the engagement will form of the structures. Through this approach, it is anticipated that the transfer of properties will happen far quicker than initially anticipated.
Feature image caption: Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tsengwa, GRDM MMC for Properties and Asset Management, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Western Cape Minister for Infrastructure, MEC Tertuis Simmers, Deputy Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, Member of Parliament, George Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis, Regional Manager for the Western Cape Public Works and Infrastructure, Phucuka Penny Penxa and George Municipality MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Brendon Adams.
ENDS