13 Jan 2015

The Selebi Phikwe Diversification Unit (SPEDU) project aimed at diversifying the economy of the Selebi Phikwe region is in progress though taking place at a slow pace, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the organization Ms Montle Phuthego has said .

Presenting the SPEDU strategy to the Minister of Infrastructure Science and Technology who is also MP for Selebi Phikwe East, Mr Nonofho Molefhi and MP for Selebi Phikwe West Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse and senior government officials, Ms Phuthego said that projects earmarked for the region include the expansion of the Selebi Phikwe Airport, construction of Plaatjan Bridge, electrification of Motloutse Farms, setting up of a processing plant for horticulture produce among others.

Regarding the Selebi Phikwe Airport project, she said P4 588 000 has been approved under the Re-Employment Account in 2013. She said the feasibility study for the project commenced in May 2014 and it is anticipated to be complete end of January this year.

She said P15.6 million was approved in December last year for the emergency runway refurbishment works and the tender for the project will be awarded end of February 2015.

Ms Phuthego further explained that P100 million has been approved for the construction of the Plaatjan Bridge and the project was expected to commence in January this year. 

However the project has been delayed to allow the Department of Roads to consider construction of 27 km approach road from Mathathane to Plaatjan. She also stated that there is a need to update the Plaatjan Border to commercial status.

She also noted that the project to connect farms along the Motloutse River to the grid is in progress with P12.8 million from the Re-Employment Account set aside for the project.

She explained that the project entails a 57 km electric power line along the Motloutse River adding that the potential rollout could cover more than 800 hectares of productive land in the area.

She said the construction of the power line is expected to commence by April 2015 and the anticipated date of completion of the power line project is July 2015.

Currently SPEDU is still in the process of developing a horticulture business model and they are still n process of attracting investors, she said.

Further, Ms Phuthego told the Minister and his entourage that the Processing Plant for Horticulture Produce project started in October 2014 and the project has been delayed due to shipping of machinery from India and lack of readiness of the premises where the project will be setup.

She said the machinery for the processing plant has arrived and fitting of machinery will commence as soon as the premises are ready. She said fitting of machinery will take six weeks.

Ms Phuthego went on to state that the operations at the processing plant is expected to start in May this year though they are facing financial constraints. She said currently NFTRC is working on means to seek additional funds for the projects. ENDS