COEGA IS one of the cornerstones of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality’s strategy to turn the metro into one of the world’s leading cities. The Coega project is identified in the council’s recently-published Integrated Development Plan (IDP). According to the plan, the council has identified 15 “Special Projects”. Coega is one of the projects which will “reflect the fundamental transformation of the face of the entire metropolitan area,” according to the IDP document. Departments which have been tasked with helping make Coega a success include those falling under the Infrastructure, Engineering and Energy portfolio, the Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture portfolio, and Safety and Security. Support from the council is to include the establishment of a fire station to protect Colchester and Coega, the co-ordination of Coega with other developments in Nelson Mandela Bay, and the facilitation of investment in Coega. The council has also recognised the pioneering role played by the Coega Development Corporation in empowerment and the development of local emerging enterprises. According to the IDP document, the council will be investigating and implementing best practices for post-award monitoring and evaluation of contracts. Coega is to be one of the role models for this.