Gauteng women construction project takes off 15 February 2007 Gauteng MEC Mokonyane today announced that the multimillion-rand project by the Gauteng Provincial Government to fast track the participation of women in the mainstream construction industry has finally paid off. Last year, the department allocated R200 million to ten women-owned construction companies in the province to construct Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses for a period of three years. This highly innovative and bold housing delivery initiative is expected to help fast track housing delivery in the province, thereby reducing the housing backlog in the country. Speaking during the launch of Tshepong Proper, a housing project by Patricia-G's Construction, in Vlakfontein, Sedibeng, MEC Mokonyane said, "This project is meant to address the existing imbalances in the male-dominated construction industry as well as complying with our commitments as the provincial government to empower women in the province." "Today's launch also fulfils a decision we made last year to provide mentorship and the necessary technical support able to position our women contractors to compete with their bigger counterparts in future. Judging from the quality of the houses that are already on site, it is obviously clear that this project is destined for greater success," added MEC Mokonyane. The Tshepong Proper project will deliver 963 low cost houses measuring 36 square metres and consisting of an inside bathroom and toilet. Phase 1 of the project, consists of 500 units while phase 2 of 463 housing units. To date 68 foundation slabs have been constructed, 50 houses completed to roof level, and 18 houses are under construction. Water and sewer services installation and roads construction have been completed. The Department appointed Professional Resources Team (PRT), consultants to conduct mentoring, construction monitoring, manage the safety matters and ensure adherence to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations. For more information, contact:
|
