Block 11B/12B: Mossel Bay could see R25.9 for community projects

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - With the submission date for Main Street's environmental and social impact assessment (Esia) looming, its Social and Labour Plan (SLP) for Mossel Bay was on the agenda in Mossel Bay Municipality's latest council meeting in August.

The SLP is legally enforceable human resource development, local economic development and community development commitments that form part of Main Street's production rights application.

According to the item, Main Street has thus committed R100 000 shy of R26m for the municipality should the production rights and SLP be approved.

The item also appeared before the Executive Mayoral Committee earlier in the month.

If all is approved, this R25.9m will be used for five projects within the Mossel Bay municipal area and will include a business incubator programme for income generation and enterprise development, with a five-year budget of R10m; community and household gardens for food security and income generation, with a five-year budget of R4m; youth development programmes, with a five-year budget of R2.4m; provision of solar water geysers with a five-year budget of R7.5m; and programmes to empower women and vulnerable people with a five-year budget of R2m.

The item said before Main Street became the main shareholder, TotalEnergies, which held the majority interest in the block, and its joint partners had had SLP-proposed projects when they applied for production rights.

The projects were identified when the municipality's IDP for 2017-2022 was applicable and included priorities relating to small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) development, community food gardens, youth development, support for women and vulnerable groups and renewable energy initiatives.

Following the withdrawal of TotalEnergies and the two other shareholders in 2024, Main Street submitted its own SLP.

The item further said during the renewed 2024 and 2025 consultation process, the project list was considered against the IDP for 2022-2027, and it was confirmed that the projects remained relevant and aligned with the IDP.

"There is no immediate financial implication for the municipality. The indicative project commitment of R25 900 000 will be funded by Main Street in accordance with the approved SLP," read the item.

It was thus recommended that Council take note of the SLP, that it accepts that the five projects for Mossel Bay Municipality are aligned with the municipality's IDP and economic development plan and may be included in the SLP, and that it authorises the municipal manager, Colin Puren, to negotiate and conclude a memorandum of understanding with Main Street in this regard.

The item was carried unanimously.

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