A few years ago, the Eastern Cape government introduced a Bhisho revitalisation project, aimed at developing the province’s capital, culminating in the much-needed refurbishment of small towns in the province.
Some of the small towns earmarked for revitalisation included Bhisho, Qonce (formerly King William’s Town), Ngqushwa, Stutterheim, Alice, and others.
The planned construction of the Bhisho Precinct in Buffalo City Metro, at an estimated cost of R1.6 billion, is set to begin during the 2024/25 financial year, over a period of 36 months.
The provincial government is currently pursuing a public-private–partnership (PPP) funding model for the project. The precinct will accommodate seven provincial government departments, including Human Settlements, Transport, Social Development, Community Safety and Liaison, Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform and Economic Development, and Environmental Affairs.
Over the years, the provincial government has been leasing office space in Qonce and East London, to accommodate and house some of these departments.
Delivering her Public Works and Infrastructure policy speech recently, MEC Siphokazi Lusithi said the development of the precinct will change the outlook of Bhisho as a town and contribute to its socio-economic growth through integration of human settlements, inner city, and commercial development.
“The department has concluded the feasibility and value-for-money assessment, which confirms that the project is affordable. We are on course to ensure that the construction will commence during the 2024/25 financial year,” said Lusithi.
Lusithi’s department has also refurbished and unveiled a building in Qonce, which will be used as a safe house to accommodate victims and survivors of gender-based violence.
Responding to energy insecurity challenges, Lusithi’s department plans to pilot alternative energy and water saving options, identifying office buildings for solar installations, including the FNB building, Unathi House, Old Disaster Centre, all in Bhisho, and the Albertina Sisulu Building in Qonce.
The installation of a borehole is under construction at the Bhisho Legislature, and will assist with augmentation of the current water supply.
The renovation of the legislature is expected to be completed this financial year, including the conversion of three ministerial complex houses into apartments to accommodate additional members of the legislature (MPLs), following the May 29 election.
SANRAL is finalising the construction of the Belstone/Breidbach interchange on the N2 between Qonce and East London.
