The Western Cape Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, began the week with oversight visits to two of his department’s key projects in George – the upgrading of the Gwaing Road and a housing project at Metro Grounds site. Joined by Executive Mayor of George, Leon van Wyk, the Minister’s first stop was at the DR1618 Gwaing road. A project that consists of a gravel road upgrade to a tarred surface.
The 4.4 km road stretch is envisaged to cost just over R67 million. The works in the project include the upgrading of the stormwater network and the installation of 27 new stormwater pipe crossings. With construction having started in December 2022, the project has created numerous job opportunities for local job seekers with 44 Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers appointed.
Speaking about his visit Minister Simmers said: “It is nearly 6 months since construction began here and tracking progress at sites is important to ensure that our projects are working for the people of George. I am satisfied with what I saw here, the construction work as well as the creation of job opportunities are well on track. Once completed this project will unlock multiple economic opportunities. It will allow for the transportation of goods and services making this a strategic carriageway. “
The Metro Grounds site project will create 436 housing opportunities that will be fitted with solar geysers to help beneficiaries become more energy resilient and is part of the Department’s investment in energy solutions. The R126.9 million project broke ground in September 2022 and will see the first set of houses handed over before the end of June 2023.
In its first 8 months, the project has successfully appointed 10 subcontractors with 4 being Women-owned companies. One of the contractors Fiela Wonderlika from Wonilla Construction reflected on the opportunity and said: “After many years of praying and researching as to how I can one day become a subcontractor, I was finally presented with the opportunity of being a subcontractor.
To date, I have built over 30 houses on this project, and I am grateful for this opportunity given to me by the Western Cape Government. I have now contributed towards the legacy of my family in our community.”
It is expected that upon completion of the project, many of the contractors will have their Construction Industry Development Board ratings improved to unlock further opportunities. Minister Simmers said: “Contractors and those who are employed at our projects will leave at the end of the contract with more than just a pay cheque. True empowerment means an improvement of skills for our citizens.”
“Part of commemorating Workers Month is to revisit our projects and see the impact of the jobs and economic opportunities created. Notwithstanding delivery of a quality product within budget and on time” concluded Minister Simmers.
Both the Gwaing road upgrade and the Metro Ground housing project are expected to be completed by June 2024.
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