With the rehabilitation of three non-heritage mine dumps in Kimberley as back-bone of an extensive project, the capital of the Northern Cape could boast a total facelift in 15 years’ time.
The dumps, donated by De Beers to the Sol Plaatje Municipality, have been unutilised for the past 80 years.
Although surrounded by suburbs, these abandoned areas are overgrown and are crime hotspots.
Provided that the mining debris be removed and the areas rehabilitated, it can be incorporated in the economic and development realm of Kimberley. The location of the dumps, known as Collville, St Augustine and BMW, make it highly attractive for development.
“It is not a mining operation, but the rehabilitation of land, and includes the environmental cleaning up of this land currently used as dumping sites and for criminal activities,” says Fernando Garcao, KRD director.
KRD commissioned a team of consultants to conduct a feasibility study on the project developed over the past three years, costing KRD R12,5 million up to date.
It has been estimated that the debris removal and stabilisation of the areas with gravel can be done by KRD at a cost of R245 million.
Rehabilitation, quarrying, manufacturing and construction are the four major components of the project, which can create thousands of job opportunities, the setting up of nearly 13 000 housing units and the establishing of two industrial sites – to name a few.
The price range gauged for housing developments on these sites is R350 000 to R850 000, while the average price of property in the city currently is R1 million plus. The BMW site is a prime office location.
Potential revenue to the municipality and the Northern Cape Provincial Government was also estimated. For one, income from additional rates and taxes from new residential and commercial properties is estimated at R77 million annually.
Apart from the three mentioned mine dumps, industrial sites are planned at the old shooting range at Vooruitzicht next to the R31, and at the Roodepan quarry.
Brick making has already commenced at KRD’s site next to Barkly Road, as well as the mining of gravel and red soil at Vooruitzicht.
The project will lead to the upgrading of the bulk water, sewage and electricity services in Kimberley, with the establishing of a people transit corridor along the unutilised bypass through the city.
“With this project, KRD brings a permanent solution to the city,” says Garcao.
Also read “Huge project to ‘change the face of the city’ “
