Premier Balindlela and Billion Group Chairman Sisa Ngebulana were joined by thousands of Mdantsane township residents expected to witness for themselves the dawn of a new era set to change their future shopping experience and the economic growth of the township.
According to the Office of the Premier and Billion Group, the mall is part of Billion Group's vision to see the East London area developing into a tourism Mecca with advanced infrastructure and major facilities benefiting a growing city.
The total investment value of the centre is R520 million and is expected to attract between 600,000 and 700,000 visitors a month, due to its location.
The mall is situated in the heart of the township with easy access from all directions.
The Mdantsane City Shopping Centre is the second largest shopping centre in the Eastern Cape, after Port Elizabeth's Greenacres shopping complex.
The mall will be anchored by Pick ‘n Pay, Woolworths, Jetmart, Shoprite and a large variety of Banks.
“This huge investment bares testimony to the clarion call made by the Provincial Government for Private sector to join government to realise the objectives of the Provincial Growth and Development Plan which clearly seeks to create jobs and eradicate poverty in the Eastern Cape Province,” said Premier Balindlela.
During the construction phase, 17 emerging local contractors were employed, 1,800 artisans and labourers were employed.
Premier Balindlela said the mall would bring employment opportunities and access to convenient services for the people of Mdantsane.
“This investment demonstrates government's commitment to strengthening partnerships for a better life for all, and is proof that the Eastern Cape is a compelling place, to live, work and invest,” she said.
The premier commended Ngebulana for investing in his birth province and appealed to other business people who were from the province but staying in other provinces to follow suit.
Article published courtesy of BuaNews
