Sea Harvest, a fishing company, has announced a partnership with the government to enhance productivity at Saldanha Bay Harbour. This collaboration involves a substantial R72 million investment aimed at repairing equipment and infrastructure within the harbor premises.

Sea Harvest has long been concerned about the state of the harbor, particularly its quay, which has suffered damage from sagging and erosion. Through this investment, the company hopes to address these issues and improve the overall functionality of the harbor.

A memorandum of agreement has also been signed between various government departments to ensure that small-scale fishers receive preferential access to the harbor facilities in the future. This move is expected to benefit local businesses and improve job security for workers in the area.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala has welcomed this initiative, stating that it will resolve the infrastructure challenges faced by Sea Harvest and other stakeholders. He emphasized that the investment will not only benefit the company but also contribute to the development of the local economy.

The repair and improvement work at Saldanha Bay Harbour is expected to take three to six months to complete. Minister Zikalala highlighted that this investment is part of the government's broader strategy to attract additional investors to local harbors and promote economic growth in the region.

The partnership between Sea Harvest and the government has been well-received by both parties. Sea Harvest's board chairperson, Fred Robertson, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating that it will ensure the safety of employees and the efficiency of the company's operations at the harbor.

This investment comes as part of a larger effort by the government to upgrade harbors across South Africa. Minister Zikalala previously announced a R501 million investment in the Small Harbors Repairs and Maintenance Programme, aimed at improving infrastructure and creating job opportunities in the Western Cape.

The government has also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Forestry, Environment, and Fisheries to ensure that small-scale fishers have access to and benefit from fishing harbors. This agreement is intended to ease longstanding conflicts over access to fishing resources and improve collaboration between stakeholders.

Overall, the partnership between Sea Harvest and the government represents a significant step towards enhancing the productivity and sustainability of Saldanha Bay Harbour, while also promoting economic development and job creation in the region.

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