The Nelson Mandela Business Chamber has announced the appointment of The Mantis Collection as the official service provider for developing a business restoration plan for the landmark Baakens River Valley project.
Acting CEO Prince Matonsi says the project, which is being coordinated by the Chamber, is aimed at not only restoring the river valley but also creating jobs and an economy through the envisaged restoration projects.
Matonsi said the appointment of Mantis Development SA sets the wheels in motion for the first phase of the much-awaited project to be undertaken.
The research and implementation plan is expected to be completed within the next few months.
Public Health and Environmental Management MMC Lance Grootboom expressed the Metro’s support for the project as it speaks to the development of the City through private-public partnerships.
The GIZ NatuRes- Nelson Mandela Bay Water and Economic Resilience Partnership identified the valley as a priority site for conservation in an attempt to safeguard this strategic Natural Capital resource for the city, where the Natural Resource value chains will form the basis for inclusive economic growth and resilience.
Mantis Development SA Development Director Bruce McNicol said they were extremely excited to undertake this task and showcase their expertise. “We intend to work closely with the forum that is responsible for safeguarding the valley to better understand what they have been doing thus far. They have kept a record of the work they have been doing and this is a brilliant reference point for any entity that is going to be involved in the project.”
The Baakens restoration project seeks to eradicate thousands of tons of water-sapping alien vegetation which will then be repurposed to manufacture a range of products including charcoal, furniture, building timber, firewood, garden mulch and wood pulp for paper.
