THE Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), an entity of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), has been instrumental in revitalising key precincts within the greater NMB area since its establishment in 2003. To measure their projects’ socioeconomic impact, it engaged Urban-Econ to develop an economic barometer.
The survey, conducted in the three focus areas of the Gqeberha CBD, Schauderville-Korsten, and South End-St Peters, revealed that between 23 and 33 percent of residents have made property improvements worth R104.2 million in the last five years.
Businesses in Gqeberha CBD also invested R56 000 in improvements. Whereas respondents praised the MBDA’s cleaners and upgrades, they expressed concerns about security and park maintenance.
According to Senior Economist Thomas Parsons, the MBDA’s investment of R24.8 million generated R66.2 million in production, increasing GDP by R19.2 million and creating 80 jobs.
“The study demonstrates the positive impact of the MBDA’s initiatives on the local economy and community,” Parsons said.
One of the agency’s latest projects was the clean-up initiative in May, when in a bid to clean up the metro and create employment opportunities, the MBDA deployed 206 street cleaners, waste pickers, tree-fellers, and general waste collection workers. This initiative was aimed at rejuvenating Kariega and Gqeberha, including North End.
The 206 recruits were selected from a pool of thousands who responded to the call for applications.
MBDA CEO, Anele Qaba, welcomed the report, stating that it provides a clear understanding of the entity’s economic impact and will guide future engagements with stakeholders to maximise its impact.
“The report highlights the importance of our work in revitalising key precincts and contributing to the growth of Nelson Mandela Bay,” Qaba said.
The MBDA will engage with stakeholders in July and August to discuss the report’s findings and explore ways to enhance its impact. The entity will also finalise its Annual Business Plan for 2024/25 after council approves the city’s budget.
