July 25, 2006
By Anish Abraham
THE Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market is to spend much of its R54-million capital expenditure allocation for this year on building new halls and refurbishing existing ones.
Already there is a flurry of activity at City Deep, with construction well under way.
"We are turning the market into a world-class facility, in line with the City's vision to be a world-class African city, though the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market is already regarded as a major player around the world," said the market's chief executive officer Bernard Magabe.
The 2005-6 financial year saw the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market recoding its highest-ever turnover figure, R2,14-billion. "It was a very proud moment for us and shows the increasing significance of the fresh produce market," Magabe said.
Since the start of the current financial year the market has recorded a turnover of R341-million – up 24 percent compared with the same period last year.
Gauteng, according to the chief executive officer, consumes just over 38 percent of all fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables and meat, in South Africa.
"The market has always played a vital role in economic development. Several different people, right from hawkers to retailers and truckers, have come to depend on the market for their livelihood," Magabe said.
He added that there has been a general increase in capital expenditure at the fresh produce market, and as the sole shareholder the City of Johannesburg has seen a good return on its investments.
"The impact of the constant upgrades is already visible – we have increased the numbers of farmers and customers who make use of the market," he said.
Part of the R20-million capital expenditure budget will go towards upgrading Halls 3 and 4, currently used as vegetable halls. The hall interiors will be refurbished and cooling systems improved. "The upgrades are to ensure compliance with all food and hygiene standards, but also to make the facilities more dependable and attractive to suppliers and consumers," Magabe said.
In addition, bulk customers such as Score Supermarkets and Fruit and Veg City are increasing the amount of floor space they rent. To cater for the demand, the market planned to increase the floor space needed from 2 000m² to 8 000m² and refurbish Halls 1 and 2.
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