Council delays sink Uitenhage hotel project

IN a big blow to Uitenhage, a major investment proposal for an upmarket hotel and gambling hall in the town was refused by the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board due to delays by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in processing rezoning applications.

At least four human settlements portfolio committee meetings have been postponed since leading Bay businessman Stephen Dondolo submitted his application in April for special consent to use two properties for gambling purposes.

Dondolo, who hails from Uitenhage, is upset that his planned venture – which would have produced about 100 jobs and created more economic spin-offs for the town – will have to be shelved.

The gambling board, which required confirmation from the municipality that the land use rights were in order, disqualified Dondolo's gambling licence application on Friday. - Rochelle de Kock