Regional Round Up: Zululand
 In a bid to turn it into a sought after business and entertainment destination, work on the Tusk Umfolozi Casino makeover, is now underway. The new-look design and upgrade of facilities include the construction of a Peermont Metcourt Hotel, with 44 suites, a state of the art conference centre and a multi-purpose entertainment and events arena. The existing interior is to be redecorated, the restaurant revamped, and a themed sports bar as well as outdoor facilities, are to be introduced. The estimated cost is R110 million.
It is reported that costs pertaining to the John Ross Highway linking Richards Bay to Empangeni, have tripled. The original cost projection in 2005 was estimated at R350-million and was expected to be completed in time for the FIFA 2010 World Cup. A new projection puts the cost at R1.3-billion, and is now only expected to be completed in 2013/2014.
In February, a meeting was held at the Richards Bay Civic Centre to analyze factors affecting future development of the city, it incorporated an environmental workshop aimed at determining the future of business and industry. In terms of government’s Environmental Management Framework (EMF), future development will only be authorized if it complies with EMF guidelines. It was also agreed that as a result of limited growth potential in Richards Bay, future development is likely to take place west of Empangeni and into rural areas.
Planning is well underway for the Zululand Roadshow and members are requested to please diarize 18 March 2010. We encourage your participation as guest speakers will be addressing hot topics such as tender corruption, green building, joint ventures as well as regional development.
The tree workshop that took place on 10 February 2010 was exceedingly informative; topics covered included BBBEE, Skills Development, Employment Equity and the compiling of a Workplace Skills Plan. Well done to all who attended! Members who require information regarding any of the aforementioned areas are welcome to contact me; I will happily point you in the right direction.
The uploading of findabuilder.co.za member pages is an ongoing process which is now fast gaining momentum. Ernest visits our region twice a month and calls on as many members as possible to assist in this regard. This month he will be up on the 4th & 5th and again on the 18th & 19th, should you wish to jump the queue, please contact me so I can make the necessary arrangements.
In closing we acknowledge our new Zululand members Lindsay Smith Construction, and Qiniseka Construction. On behalf of the Executive Committee; we welcome you to the Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal family.
Paula Ferraris | Zululand Regional Manager |
