By Nangamso Mabindla
22 November 2006

A REPORT into the expansion of the harbour at East London has been welcomed by Buffalo City. The report was tabled earlier this week.

There are many benefits to investing in the expansion of the port, including the creation of at least 58 000 jobs, according to the report.

In response, John Badenhorst, a City councillor, said it would be one of the keys to the positive economic development of Buffalo City.

"In our City Development Strategy we aim to involve all our partners and we are happy that this study into the possible expansion of the port and its benefits has been undertaken," he said.

The strategy is a 20-year economic growth plan.

He said that it was important that the port was improved to help grow the city's economy. "If we improve the port and make it world class, we will have good chances of having more business done in our harbour. I would like to commend our business partners for taking this initiative, which is in line with our City Development Strategy."

An improved port would also make it possible for the City to stake a claim in the national government's Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa, or Asgi-SA. "There is about R360-billion available in Asgi-SA and as a City we want to tap into that and get our share," Badenhorst said.

"An improved harbour will also cater for fourth generation ships and create employment for our people. As a City we welcome this initiative to expand the harbour."

Acting Executive Mayor Sizwe Dikimolo pledged the City's support of the initiative, saying it would not only benefit car manufacturer DaimlerChrysler and its suppliers, but also the rest of the city, including the East London Industrial Development Zone.

"I want to commend the role players in this study and pledge our support to ensuring that the recommendations made here are implemented successfully," he said.