Sibaya Precinct upgrade gets green light from council
A MULTI-MILLION rand upgrade of the Sibaya Coastal Precinct has been given the green light by the eThekwini Municipality council, following the unanimous decision on the proposal to unlock the next stage of development and road infrastructure upgrades estimated to be worth R160m.
The endorsement of the ambitious mixed-use development project comes at a cost of R7.8m for eThekwini, which is subject to cost recovery from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. 'The developer has committed to funding R152m, equivalent to 95.1% of the total cost. The municipality will contribute R7.8m, which is 4.9%, subject to cost recovery from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport,' said municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana.
She said this funding will support the upgrade of critical slip lanes on the M27 and M4 routes. 'A Memorandum of Agreement between the City and the developer will formalise the terms. Councillors unanimously welcomed the proposal, highlighting the transformation it will bring to the northern development corridor,' said Sisilana.
Also Read: City not bankrupt – eThekwini Municipality
According to the City, the upgrade of the Sibaya Coastal Precinct will attract R11.3b in investment over three years, and R23b over eight years. The development includes residential, commercial, retail and hospitality components.
'The municipality also anticipates significant rates revenue, expected to increase from R219m in 2025 to R770m annually by 2032. The anticipated additional rates revenue from the development over the eight-year roll-out period is estimated at R3.8b,' said Sisilana.
The project is expected to create an estimated 50 000 temporary construction jobs and 20 000 permanent jobs post-construction. 'Local businesses will benefit through subcontracts and skills development, offering training and learnerships for community members,' said Sisilana.
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