Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced that the much-awaited R147 million Latimer’s Landing revitalisation and redevelopment project at the Port of East London will start soon, with the full completion of the project expected to be around April 2027.
A sod-turning ceremony marking the start of construction work on the revitalisation and redevelopment of Latimer’s Landing at the East London beachfront was held on Wednesday, 22 October.
The Latimer’s Landing development project represents a significant step towards the long-awaited waterfront development, which is crucial for boosting tourism and promoting the province’s economic growth.
The project is expected to turn the East London harbour into a vibrant waterfront tourism hub and advance the development of various business operations, including restaurants, leisure outlets, tourism centres and other tourism-related activities.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, TNPA acting CEO Phyllis Difeto confirmed that the project will start soon, adding that the revitalisation project is targeted for completion by April 2027.
“This development comes at a very crucial time, not only for the Port of East London, but for the strategic future of Transnet and South Africa’s logistics sector. It charts a new course for the Eastern Cape’s economic growth and boosting the province’s tourism sector,” said Difeto.
Delivering his keynote address, Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha said the revitalisation of the Latimer’s Landing precinct takes place shortly after the development of the Port of East London and the widening of its berth for the easy docking of large cargo ships.
“I am confident that this project will position the Buffalo City Metro as a globally competitive metro. The project aligns with government’s plans and efforts to utilise the coastline for economic development,” said Nqatha.
Nqatha said the project fits well with the province’s plans and efforts to utilise its 800-kilometre coastline for economic development.
The Eastern Cape has prioritised ports development and the oceans economy sector as one of the province’s economic growth frontiers.
Earlier this year, TNPA appointed Steffanuti Stocks to refurbish Latimer’s Landing Jetty at the Port of East London.
