WITH THE basic infrastructure taking shape in the Coega IDZ, the project is moving into a new and exciting phase, says Coega Development Corporation (CDC) executive manager zone operations Khwezi Tiya. Speaking at the signing of a R3,7-million contract with an information consortium to develop a framework for the information and communications technology (ICT) for the IDZ, Mr Tiya said the appointment of the consortium signalled the start of the implementation phase for Coega. “The IDZ has now advanced to a stage where we have been able to shift our focus from delivering world-class physical infrastructure to the development of cutting-edge ICT systems,” he says. Accenture the world’s largest management and technology consulting company, is heading up the consortium to develop a “framework and a roadmap” for the Coega ICT systems. A number of Eastern Cape companies have been included in the consortium. They are Ndzebhe Technology, Nkqubela Telecoms IT & Energy Solutions and Jappie Family Investments. “What is exciting for us about the inclusion of the local companies is that once again the CDC has proved that the Eastern Cape has world-class skills – and that it is possible to find those skills in empowerment companies. “The contract, like the rest of the Coega project, reflects the fact that you can combine world-class delivery with empowerment,” says Mr Tiya. Two other companies in the consortium are Cornastone, a leading black-owned IT services company and Nkonki, which has its roots in the Eastern Cape. According to CDC project manager for ICT and e-business, Monde Mawasha, the “roadmap” will ensure that the various systems used in running the Coega IDZ will communicate efficiently with each other. The systems include billing for services, maintenance, information, security, human resources and logistics. They will pave the way for the “next wave of growth in the CDC and the creation of new opportunities for companies and individuals in the region. “Coega will provide a catalyst for the development of a whole new range of emerging companies in the services sector,” he says. Functions which will be contracted out by Coega include traffic control in the zone, landscaping, lawn mowing, cleaning, maintenance, IT, security, transport and refuse removal.