The establishment of Sasol II and the town of Secunda with a first phase projection population of 12,000 whites are barely 30km west of Bethal and the proposed highway no. P.148 / 3 will facilitate movement between the two towns. Interaction between Bethal and the new Secunda and Sasol II, can be expected. The coal reserves on south-east of Bethal is reserved by different mining groups, and this source of energy, as well as export potential, will likely play a role in the development of the industrial sector in the region in which Bethal and Secunda is situated. If one looks at the exports guide lines of the Witwatersrand, there is a clearly noticeable movement - strong developments to Richardsbay, in Natal. The development possibilities along this axis, compares favourably with other alternatives in the Transvaal, outside the *PWV region. The fact that the main railway line from Witwatersrand to Maputo and Richardsbay goes through Bethal, hold distinct advantages for development in the Bethal-region. The production of gas as a by-product of Sasol II can be a basis of certain industrial development seeing that gas can easily be made available through pipes to Bethal at a reasonable cost for use in industry. The supply of water from a new dam on the Vaal River near Standerton holds definite benefits for the region of Bethal. A pipeline is planned from the dam to Secunda and Sasol II and if necessary, it can easily be extended to provide Bethal’s needs. In the light of Bethal, in respect of the surrounding towns, especially centrally situated, the town can be developed to a central regional centre. *PWV: Pretoria Witwatersrand and Vereeniging 105
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