The railway town of Touwsrivier is hardly the thriving economy it once was. But the presence of a solar plant will hopefully be the catalyst needed to reignite the small town’s economy.
Located in the Cape Winelands District in the north eastern part of the Western Cape, Touwsrivier is known as the passageway between the Karoo and the Boland. The national railway which runs through it used to be operational until the late 1990s, and it was responsible for most of the economic activity in the community, according to town manager Neville Fourie.
After Spoornet (Transnet) withdrew, banks and businesses followed suit as there was no longer a business case to stay. The community has been struggling to revive its economy since, said Fourie who was speaking at an investment summit, at a conference centre not too far from Touwsrivier on Friday.
Fourie along with other representatives from the Breede Valley Municipality, some residents of Touwsrivier and businesses and potential investors gathered together to chart a way forward for the community.
There is a second chance for Touwsrivier to become a thriving economy, through the presence of the CPV1 solar power plant.
Economic diversification will ensure that Touwsrivier is not constrained by a single resource.
Following breakaway sessions throughout the day, community members presented plans to lift various aspects of Touwsrivier’s economy. Among the proposals made include developing its tourism industry and suggestions were made to create a tourist attraction by establishing a heritage route and even a fossil route.
The youth also made their representations – asking for more opportunities for skills training especially in artisanal work.
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