Two new trader hubs have been opened in Mossel Bay in Kwa-Nonqaba and D’Almeida. Anton Bredell, Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, officially opened the projects on Friday 9th October. The facilities cost approximately R13.2 million rand. The aim was to achieve an outcome which provided a safe place for a mix of ages and genders to hang out and to simultaneously leverage and enhance the economic agglomeration potential of these business nodes.
The ‘Youth and Business Park’ has 19 trader units (9 actively fronting the street), a car wash, ablution facilities, an astro-turf chill area, an outdoor gym, a raised dancing stage, space for day traders, art murals, a playground and a security guard house. Over and above the jobs provided during the construction phases in 2018/19, both trader hubs collectively ensure that more than 34 local businesses have attractive and affordable spaces to do business in.
The strong collaboration between DEA&DP: RSEP, Mossel Bay Office of the Mayor and MM, LED, Engineering and Planning Departments played a pivotal role in seeing these projects come to life. The projects were funded by DEA&DP: RSEP (R6.25 mil), Mossel Bay Municipality (R 3.5 mil), the National Department of Small Business Development (DSBD’s) Shared Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEIF) (R 2.5 mil) and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) SMME Booster Fund (R 1.1 m). The traders are also currently receiving support from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). Ultimately, these projects were funded by all 3 spheres of government and 4 different departments, clearly embodying what can be achieved by the joined effort of a Whole of Government Approach.
