The Mandela Bay Development Agency has identified prime unused pockets of land and buildings in its mandated area and has requested the municipality to lease the properties to private developers.

MBDA chief executive Pierre Voges has already made a presentation to the municipality, outlining how this will boost the municipal coffers through levies, rates or taxes.

Voges said Nelson Mandela Bay was one of the richest metros in the country in terms of land, but most of it was unused.

"While going through our master plan for the development of our mandated area, we have identified land that can be used for development.

"We have given the list to the municipality, and we feel that there is no reason why the land cannot be given to the private sector for development on long-lease agreements," Voges said.

He said instead of letting the land lie idle, or in some instances buildings becoming eyesores, it could be made available to the private sector, generating income for the municipality.

He said pockets of unused land had been identified in Central, the Baakens Valley, and at Humerail.

"This will also promote urban renewal," said Voges, adding that the idea was not to sell all the land.

He said if the municipality released the land to the MBDA, the agency would seek development proposals from the private sector and give land to the most competitive proposal.

"The MBDA will tell the potential developer what kind of development it needs, and set out the conditions of the required development. The preferred developments are leisure, retail, and entertainment, but definitely not industrial. We will also allow long-term lease agreements, for between 50 to 70 years. This will increase the municipality's income base."

Voges said the private sector had shown interest in developing the land for retail and leisure purposes.

On buildings which were now derelict, but could be put to use, Voges gave the example of the Old Tramways shed at the corner of Baakens Street and Valley Road.

The building has been vandalised and is used by street children and vagrants.

"This building is in a horrific state. It is beyond urban decay, and has become a social and economic problem.

"If given to the private sector, it will be revamped and also bring income to the municipality."

Voges said the MBDA proposal presented no risks for the municipality.

Acting municipal manager Vuyo Zitumane said the proposal had been received and was being considered.

Eastern Province Herald
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge