The town of Utrecht is witnessing a remarkable surge in development initiatives, igniting hope and progress in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Led by the eMadlangeni (Utrecht) Municipality, pioneering projects are reshaping the town’s landscape and promising a brighter future for its residents.
Venturing into the forthcoming projects set to redefine Utrecht’s landscape, on Wednesday, 21 February 2024, the eMadlangeni Municipality witnessed a significant milestone with the formal signing of a partnership between the KZN Community Trust (Ifalika Dingiswayo PTD Ltd), founded by Prince Dr Zwelakhe Elija Mthethwa, and the Portugal-based company Nopal.
The eMadlangeni Municipality’s Communications Unit unveiled, “Nopal is a horticulture development, management, and technology firm that partners with governments and NGOs. They are now looking to expand to Utrecht to open a Cactus farm.”
Mayor Cllr Mzwakhe Buthelezi articulated the agreement’s overarching objectives, aiming to engage organisations in spearheading agricultural land rehabilitation initiatives, carbon credits, biomass, and various products across KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the Municipality, the agreement sets the stage for the creation and revitalisation of land channels, fostering new agricultural enterprises and financial streams through collaboration with local communities.
Reflecting on this, the eMadlangeni Municipality’s Communications Unit highlighted that the goal of this agreement is to establish a joint venture (JV) to explore and pursue business opportunities with the Nopal Opuntia Ficus-Indica cactus in KZN, including:
- Large-scale ecosystem development to remove greenhouse gases for Certified Carbon Units.
- Mass biomass byproduct harvests for food, fertilizer, biofuel, and biogas production.
- Cactus byproducts, including livestock feed.
- Fruit production, specifically the Prickly Pear, for both whole fruit and concentrate for beverages.
- Food products for human consumption.
- Soil rehabilitation for non-fertile lands.
Moreover, the proposed venture holds the promise of generating employment opportunities and fostering community development from its inception. However, the partnership’s impact extends beyond the boundaries of Utrecht.
A further noteworthy development on the horizon is the rejuvenation of the cherished Balele Game Park, a beloved retreat for Northern KwaZulu-Natal residents and tourists alike.
Despite its popularity, Balele Game Park has faced challenges, one such problem was the theft and damaging of the perimeter fencing. The eMadlangeni Municipality, tasked with park management, sought financial support to address these issues to uphold the park’s standards.
In May 2021, Newcastillian News reported on efforts by park officials to secure financial support from various government departments, including the Department of Environmental Affairs, to improve the park’s facilities.
To read more, click here.
Despite past hurdles, the eMadlangeni Municipality has now successfully secured funding for the park’s refurbishment. During a recent media briefing, Mayor Cllr Mkwazhe Buthelezi announced that the Municipality’s council allocated an impressive R9.5 million for the park’s renovation.
This substantial sum originates from a grant reinstated by the Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs department, acknowledging the Municipality’s successful turnaround strategy under Mayor Buthelezi’s leadership.
As Utrecht’s leadership plans to see a massive change in the community, the eMadlangeni Municipality is making leaping strides in improving its functionality. This follows the eMadlangeni Municipality clinching three prestigious awards at the Municipal Service Excellence Awards ceremony, held on Tuesday evening, 13 February 2024, in Pietermaritzburg. The accolades include recognition for the Municipality’s outstanding performance in community programmes, expanded public works programmes, and ward committee functionality in the 22/23 financial year.
With Utrecht poised for revitalisation, what are your thoughts on all of this? Share your views in the comment section below.
