We are pleased to share that on 27 March 2018, the eThekwini Municipality in Durban, South Africa hosted a groundbreaking ceremony or locally known as “sod turning” of the Beachfront Promenade extension which is part of the Durban Point Waterfront development project.

The ceremony was officiated by eThekwini Municipality Mayor Ms. Cllr Zandile Gumede at the Sand Pump Station on the Point beachfront, in the presence of eThekwini Municipality City Manager, Mr. Sipho Nzuza; Head of Operations, UEM Sunrise South Africa, Mr. Bevarah Soban; and 200 guests consisting of city officials, stakeholders, media representatives and business officials.

In her speech, Ms. Gumede described the project as a good example of what could happen when the government worked with business sectors to transform the city. She said the project was only the beginning of broader projects that would shape and position Durban as a global city. The Promenade extension and The Point development will attract new foreign investments and enhance the city’s tourism profile. Once completed, The Point development is expected to contribute to the city’s revenue and will improve the overall living quality of the city dwellers.

Ms. Gumede added that approximately 11,000 jobs would be created during the construction phase of the development and upon completion, it will create a further 6,750 jobs. Due to the development, the city could expect property value in the area to increase by approximately 10% and the overall central business district property value to rise by 5%.