Extension 6 in Joza could become a hub of business activity featuring a shopping mall, a three-star spa hotel and middle-class housing, as a large portion of land goes on public tender to interested investors.
The decision to sell the land, erf 4807, was prompted by an application from a Mrs N.H. Habana on behalf of the Makana Village to purchase the piece of land in Extension 6, to develop the area for business and job creation.
Extension 6 in Joza could become a hub of business activity featuring a shopping mall, a three-star spa hotel and middle-class housing, as a large portion of land goes on public tender to interested investors.
The decision to sell the land, erf 4807, was prompted by an application from a Mrs N.H. Habana on behalf of the Makana Village to purchase the piece of land in Extension 6, to develop the area for business and job creation.
This application was considered by the infrastructure committee last week where it was decided that the land be sold by public tender because of its large size and that there are other prospective investors that may also be interested in the land for the same development and that it could be sub-divided.
An application letter, dated 14 September from Habana stated that she requires 300 hectares to build a shopping mall, petrol station, three-star spar hotel and middle class housing to support the shopping mall. "To plough back to the community, we would like to build a sport academy to produce stars from the Eastern Cape," the letter read.
It also stated that they had formed a partnership with Amananti Property developers from Port Elizabeth. "We want to assist the government with job creation as we know the high rate of unemployment in Makana."
The report tabled to the committee stated that the land in question is a commonage, that it is not serviced and was set aside for the goat project but was never utilised. Comments from internal departments; Town Planning and Parks and Recreation, did not oppose the application as it is in line with the Makana Spatial Development Framework.
However, it was pointed out that the vehicle population in the area was not deemed enough to support the garage. "A garage permit was declined several times by the Department of Minerals and Energy to other prospective business people."
Parks and Recreation suggested that if council approves the application, the Makana Stockowners Association which is currently using the land must be advised timeously so as to prevent unnecessary conflict concerning the proposed change in land use.
At the mayoral business forum on Wednesday, it was said that the development of a business section in the township is long overdue, and that the council should identify business sites that will made available for local business people.
