By Libuseng Nyaka
Mamiki Qabethe
HARRISMITH – The official launch of a Vehicle Distribution Centre with the potential to create more than 29 ,000 jobs is set to reducehigh levels of poverty and unemployment in Thabo Mofutsanyana district.
Speaking at the launch of the VDC at Tshiami, the Premier of Free State Ace Magashule said the project was a starting point of an integrated citymodel – the first of its kind in the world to be implemented inHarrismith.
Magashule said the project was not only going to create jobs but locals will also tap into the Germans expertise in vehicles.
The provincewas the official economic development, trade and Investment Corporation hub due to its location in the centre of the country, he said.
“Free State is a land locked province surrounded by six other provinces therefore it would be easier for you to attract business from these neighbouring provinces including Lesotho as a country. Free State did not enjoy the benefit of an industrial development zone. But through
President Zuma’s visionary leadership today Harrismith has attractedbusiness investment internationally and from as far as Germany,” he said assuring the Germans that they had made the right choice by doing their business in Free State.
Representing FDC Chief Executive officer, Thuso Ramaema said the project would not only translate into a substantial financial injection of funds into the economy for local people, but also assist in the national government’s effort to move cargo from road to rail.
FDC, government, and Germany partnered with Transnet freight rail inthis project Ramaema said the vehicles from VDC would be delivered by rail to Harrismith and, they will be distributed to different vehicle dealers from there, which meant even more jobs will be generated for locals.
MEC of Police, Roads and Transport Butana Komphela noted that the project will not only boost economic growth but will also minimise road accidents as the vehicles will be transported by railwayal though the initiative means there will be job losses in the trucking industry as their work of delivering vehicles will be done by trains.
Minister of Economic, Labour and Ports, Martin Gunthner expressed appreciation on the reception in Free State saying he hoped this was a good start for business.
But MEC for Tourism and Economy Development Mamiki Qabane said people should be dynamic and learn to be innovative by using new opportunities brought by this new project.
Executive Mayor of Maluti A Phofung Sarah Moleleki thanked the Germany government for investing in her areaas well as the government for its efforts to improve Maluti A Phofung. A representative of the community of Tshiami Local Community, Tumelo Thebe hailed the initiative and said residents were excited with theprojects that would improve their lives as more jobs meant areduction in poverty.
Chairperson of the Harrismith Chamber of Business, Ben Deysel, said: “We have reach this stage because the government took time to ensure that Harrismith is also seen as an area which can be used to attract investment.”
Thabo Mofutsanyana district is one of the hardest hit poverty stricken areas in Free State.