R45m bailout request for market

THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will hear today if the National Treasury will approve its application for a R45- million bailout to upgrade the Fresh Produce Market's ailing infrastructure. The embattled market, which was at risk of being shut down due to unhealthy and unhygienic conditions and financial mismanagement last year, might have to close its doors if the city does not secure funding to repair the cold room and upgrade the IT computer system. Although it needs R55-million in total to upgrade the market's infrastructure, which is on the verge of collapse, the municipality applied for R45-million from Treasury. However, councillors at an economic development, tourism and agriculture portfolio committee meeting heard yesterday the municipality urgently needed R3- million to repair the cold room and to upgrade the IT system. -