CABINET HAS approved the designation of the East London Industrial Development Zone. This was announced in Bisho by Eastern Cape Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism MEC Enoch Godongwana. According to the East London Development Zone Corporation, the IDZ proposal was piloted through Cabinet by Trade and Industry minister Alec Erwin. Next step in the process towards a fully operational Industrial Development Zone on the west bank of the East London harbour is the awarding of a provisional operator’s licence. The East London Development Zone Corporation said it would be submitting its application. “In addition, expressions of interest from engineering companies will be called for with a view to undertaking the detailed engineering design for bulk infrastructure and urban design,” says spokesperson Diane Stap. Service providers will be evaluated and short-listed where after detailed proposals will be requested, she says. Once the design is completed, which could take up to 6 months, earthworks for Phase 1A and 1B will begin, involving R270 million worth of external and internal infrastructure development. Investments of R400 million have already been concluded for serviced Phase 1 of the IDZ, a 20-hectare site. Phase 1A and 1B are large units that still need basic services to be installed. Phase 1A, a 250-hectare site, is due to become the duty-free area, while Phase 1B is earmarked for a 110-hectare industrial park. The East London Development Zone Corporation, a Section 21 Company that has coordinated the feasibility studies, will also approach possible joint venture equity partners should their application for a provisional licence be successful, she adds. The ELDZC has recently been allocated R 8 million by the Department of Trade and industry to assist in the completion of the planning phase. The provincial Department of Treasury, Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism has budgeted R50 million in the 2002/3 financial year to be allocated for the physical development of the ELIDZ. “This exciting project is destined to provide a massive economic boost for Buffalo City and the Eastern Cape,” says Stap. It is estimated that up to 38 000 jobs could be created within ten years.