spacious interior of the Fresh Produce Market Pic: The exterior of the Fresh Produce Market
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Farmers in Mpumalanga will finally trade and grow their businesses with direct access to a platform that links them with local, national and international export opportunities.
This was revealed by Premier Mandla Ndlovu as he introduced the International Mpumalanga Fresh Produce Market during his address at the opening of the 7th Provincial Legislature.
Ndlovu also said the province has secured a market operator that is expected to manage and transform the trading of fresh fruits and vegetables for black farmers, taking advantage of the markets created by the Africa Cree Trade area and the growing BRICS platform and the Middle East.
The Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market was officially handed over to MEC Nompumelelo Hlophe of the DARDLEA(Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs) by her counterpart, MEC Thulani Thomo, of the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport on Thursday 1 August in Mbombela, marking the completion of the construction phase.
The construction of the Fresh Produce Market reportedly started in November 2018 and it is said to have costed R1.7 billion. Its originally planned completion date was reportedly delayed by a few bottlenecks along the way.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, MEC Hlophe said it is envisaged that the Fresh Produce Market will boost economic spin-offs for the province, attract investments from neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and eSwatini, while also creating job opportunities, empowering locals and women in particular.
“ The DARDLEA, working closely with producers, will make sure the facility lives up to what it was constructed for, thereby ensuring value for money,” said Hlophe.
DARDLEA Head of Department(HOD), Cain Chunda, revealed that work is already underway to operationalise the facility.
MEC’s Hlophe and Thomo were also joined by the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, amongst other senior government officials and stakeholders.
