The purpose of economic development unit is to build up economic capacity of uMngeni Local Municipality to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all its citizens. In order to achieve the aforesaid, the unit is entrusted with the implementation of the following programmes:

• • Investment Promotion and Marketing
• • Local Business Support & SMME Development
• • Tourism Development; and
• • Agricultural Development

The unit is exploring ways to increase inward investment in skills and technology, property and sustainable development. As Economic Development and Growth Unit, we continuously promote ongoing investment and development through the provision of services at affordable competitive prices, efficient service and a safe and secure environment. Business permissions are tailored to the needs of the changing economy. Investment promotion is through the following:

• • Continuous implementation of the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Programme
• • Ongoing identification of Greenfield development areas for investors
• • The maintenance of existing infrastructure
• • Effective information dissemination
• • Immediate service to potential investors and developers with respect to business permissions; and
• • Reliability and accessibility of existing services

uMngeni has setup a centralized Economic Development and Growth Unit to facilitate one point of contact and to reduce the red tape for set-up processes. Prospective investors will also have direct access to the Executive Committee of the municipality to further expedite processes and ensure preferential access and processes for investors.

There are a number of incentives available to business. At national level DTI offers incentives that could pay significantly towards cost.

Local incentives include an incentive package to prospective investors and marketing guidelines that are envisaged to encourage and stimulate investment in the area. It forms part of the effort to attract new investment as well as facilitate the expansion and retention of existing business and industries within uMngeni Local Municipality.

Land acquisition is central to the development of industrial areas. There are two approaches that uMngeni Local Municipality is willing to negotiate with prospective investors with regard to land acquisition.

• • Make land available at reasonable price, which may be lower than the market value; and/or
• • The Municipality rent the land to investors for a particular period of time (not exceeding 10 years) after which the lease would be negotiated or the land reallocated for other purposes.

The services that uMngeni Local Municipality is willing to take into consideration when negotiating with investors are as follows:

• • Building Plans
• • Rates
• • Electricity; and
• • Buildings

The Municipality will attempt to prioritize infrastructure concessions in relation to proposed industrial development. The concessions involve concerted effort by the local authority to remove or reduce constraining building and zoning that may deter potential business development. The Municipality is prepared to facilitate prompt decisions such as approval of building plans and assistance with rezoning applications.

uMngeni Local Municipality is one of the most proactive and well respected municipalities in the country. The municipality takes an active role in regional, provincial, national and even international affairs, ensuring it is continually viewed as a preferred investment destination.