Off-shore boating enthusiasts could soon be charting a new course thanks to progress with government’s Small Harbours Programme.
Spatial and Economic Development Frameworks (SEDFs) for three new small boat harbours have now been completed, according to a Department of Public Works and Infrastructure report presented to Parliament last month, Maritime Review Africa reports. The three priority harbour sites are Port Nolloth, Port St Johns and Port Shepstone.
In addition, the Department reported progress in the national programme to upgrade and maintain existing small boat ‘fishing’ harbours in the Western Cape which fall outside of Transnet commercial port mandate. This work includes slipway upgrades, dredging, removal of sunken vessels and security upgrades. To date this programme has created 925 direct jobs and work opportunities worth around R137-million.
The three new small harbours still need to be proclaimed but could see massive investment to the benefit of the overall blue economy. Maritime tourism is set to benefit from new infrastructure and potential marina opportunities. In the case of Port Shepstone, the new harbour would form part of an ambitious broader plan to establish a new coastal City.