Parliament, Saturday, 5 August 2017 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Works has expressed a serious concern with regard to the state of small harbours in the Western Cape.

“We have discovered that the six harbours that we visited (Stilbaai, Arniston, Struisbaai, Gansbaai, Hermanus, Gordon’s Bay and Kalk Bay) have common challenges of decaying infrastructure, lease disparities, low job creation and inability to develop the economy of local communities,” said Mr Freddie Adams, Acting Chairperson of the Committee.   

Mr Adams further said that conditions like lack of security, insufficient office space and inadequate workforce were also equally concerning, and needed to be addressed expeditiously.

“It is a common course that one needs to invest money into a business in order to make more profit. There are many positive economic spin-offs to be gained when the infrastructure at the harbour is maintained, security beefed up and building structures refurbished. These are the hallmark of unlocking economic potential and job creation,” said Mr Adams.

The Committee has noted evidence that pointed to the fact that most of the challenges were created by the lack of communication between the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Department of Public Works and the local municipalities. 

“No government department or municipality can deliver services efficiently to the public in isolation,” said Mr Adams.

The Committee will deliberate on the visit and draft a report with recommendations on possible improvements at small harbours. 

ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS, MR FREDDIE ADAMS

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