Local and national government are devising plans to reverse urban decay.

CONSTRUCTION and building materials retailer Iliad Africa's earnings rose steeply in the year to December, following its acquisition of Corpbuild from Corpcapital, and amid organic growth.

The seven-month contract for the rehabilitation of a section of the N2 freeway, near Durban, was completed on schedule and within budget during December 2003, UWP Consulting reported.

UWP was appointed by the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), in June 2002, to investigate and avail recommendations for the rehabilitation of a 20-km section of the four-lane dual carriageway freeway between the Ilovo River and the Mlaas Canal (past the Durban International Airport), south of Durban.

Durban - Attributable earnings for Relyant Retail increased 46 percent to R120.8 million for the six months to December, compared with R82.7 million for the year to June 2003, as the group continued to improve income streams and productivity ratios, the furniture and appliance retailer said yesterday.

SA Retail had been on the acquisition trail recently.

CAPITAL losses in the listed property sector may not materialise this year in fact the sector is expected to post a small capital increase of about 2%.

The property loan stock company continues to provide investors with a sustainable income through its innovative unit structure, limited gearing and a strategy to maximise value in secondary located properties with sound tenant profiles

Port Maputo, the recently concessioned harbour in the Mozambican capital, has moved a step closer to being an effective competitor to Durban.

This applies to all race groups

Study urges government to increase efforts to protect catchment areas for the benefit of people and nature