AN R1.5 billion distribution logistics facility for the Shoprite retail group is set to create much-needed jobs in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The facility, which will be under construction from April this year, will also create about 800 temporary jobs during construction.
This was confirmed by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Retief Odendaal at the sod-turning ceremony at the Wells Estate site on Tuesday, March 8.
The project is estimated to create 1 300 full-time jobs when it is fully operational, with the total value of investment standing at R1,5 billion. The expected completion period is the 4th quarter of 2024.
Executive Mayor Odendaal is excited about the project, stating:
“This is a clear indication that Nelson Mandela Bay is open for business. Investments of this magnitude give confidence that we are moving in the right direction as a city. The systems we have put in place to speed up business development, support and close oversight of those systems have already yielded positive results.”
This investment is a partnership between Shoprite and Equites Property Fund, the only specialist logistics property fund listed on the JSE.
Equites Property Fund CEO, Andrea Taverna-Turisa said as a company they are excited about launching their next venture in the Eastern Cape.
The construction of this facility is said to take a green development approach, with the 90-thousand square metres building aiming for a 30% saving in energy, water and emissions.
Shoprite Chief Supply Chain Officer, Andrew Havinga said this project was not just an investment, ‘it is about uplifting lives, creating opportunities’.
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