24th November 2010

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN GRAAFF-REINET: 16 KEY ISSUES

The Chamber of Commerce has identified sixteen areas requiring urgent attention if economic development in the town is to go forward. These issues fall under three headings: INFRASTRUCTURE, INSTITUTIONAL and TOURISM.

The issues under Infrastructure include:

          Consistent water supply

          Sufficient supplies of electricity

          An alternate trucking route

          Completion of the building for the Dept of Education

          Refuse dump relocation and management

          A youth skills development program, including the completion of the Midlands

          College building

Institutional focus-areas include:

          A Regional Development Agency

          Development plan for the industrial area and appointment of a town planner

          Appointment of an LED Officer

          Graaff-Reinet Construction Unit (Roads Dept) to remain in Graaff-Reinet

Tourism issues and projects:

          Upgrade the airfield to make it suitable for tourist flights

          Caravan park management and upgrade

          The Wedge Tourist Leisure Park

          Railway line - Phase 1: Tourist line; Phase 2: Open line to Port                             Elizabeth (public and goods transport)

          Peter Flack Antelope Collection display facility (stuffed animals)

          Upgrade and secure the Andries Pretorius Monument as a tourist attraction.