The taxpayer could face a R3-billion bill for the construction of the controversial Coega deepwater port and industrial zone, Parliament was told yesterday.

THE cost of building a deepwater port at Coega near Port Elizabeth is rising steadily as the rand depreciates against the dollar,with Portnet now estimating a first-phase cost of up to R2,7bn against R1,65bn expected last year.

A German company is planning to invest in a condom factory in Coega, as part of the R43bn arms offset deal.

The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism has published the "core elements" of its strategic plans for the province. These elements will guide future investment and development strategies.

Durban Portnet has unveiled plans for a R1,34bn upgrade of Durban's container-handling facilities, which will also consolidate the harbour's general cargo-handling capacity.