On 25 June 2026 the Coega Development Corporation (Coega), today, hosted the Portfolio Committee on Finance and Provincial Expenditure for an oversight visit to assess progress on key infrastructure projects funded through the Strategic Infrastructure (SI) Fund.
The visit served as a follow-up to the Committee’s 2025 engagement and focused on evaluating the utilisation and impact of the approximately R1 billion allocated through National Treasury. Members of the Committee expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved to date, noting significant advancement in infrastructure delivery across multiple project sites within the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Currently, Mr. Zuko Mqhatu, Coega Executive Manager: Operations, said that Coega is implementing five major infrastructure projects under the SI Fund, with two already completed and additional packages in the pipeline to ensure full expenditure of the current financial year’s budget allocation. “These projects are central to strengthening industrial capacity, enhancing investor readiness, and positioning the SEZ as a globally competitive investment destination.”
A key highlight of the visit was the Water Security Programme; a transformational initiative aimed at ensuring sustainable and reliable water supply within the SEZ. The programme is designed to shift reliance away from potable water by introducing industrial-grade water capacity, increasing supply from the current usage of approximately 3 megalitres per day to an anticipated 30 megalitres per day.
Mqhatu explains that this intervention is expected to significantly support industrial operations, attract large-scale water-intensive investors, and alleviate pressure on the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro’s potable water resources, particularly in the context of ongoing water scarcity challenges.
“The project commenced in August 2023 following the allocation of R2.2 billion from the SI Fund and is scheduled for completion in Quarter 2 of the 2029/2030 financial year. Once completed, it will also improve system resilience through the introduction of a secondary bulk water line, ensuring greater supply security within the SEZ.”
In alignment with its developmental mandate, Coega continues to prioritise inclusive economic growth through skills development and enterprise support. The infrastructure programme incorporates a structured initiative to employ young technical professionals requiring practical, on-site experience to complete their qualifications. In addition, each project includes a targeted SMME development component, with approximately 25 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) benefiting per project including both successful and unsuccessful bidders through training and capacity-building support.
The shift toward industrial water usage is also expected to deliver cost efficiencies for investors, with projected savings of between 30% and 40% on water-related expenses.
This, coupled with ongoing efforts to strengthen power security and maintain high levels of safety, reinforces the Coega’s value proposition to both existing and prospective investors.
“Access to reliable power, water, and security remains critical for investors when selecting locations for their operations. Our infrastructure investments are deliberately focused on ensuring that the Coega SEZ continues to meet these expectations and remains competitive globally,” said Mqhatu.
As an established implementing agent, Coega continues to play a leading role in supporting infrastructure delivery across the Eastern Cape. The Corporation has successfully assisted municipalities with the packaging and submission of funding applications and is increasingly being called upon to share expertise and provide implementation support across the province.
According to Mqhatu, the visit by the Portfolio Committee reaffirms confidence in Coega’s ability to deliver catalytic infrastructure that drives industrial growth, supports economic development, and contributes to long-term sustainability.
