The EPWPteam in the Eastern Cape has linedup an interesting programme for us, that combines some reflection on the actual progress andimplementation of the EPW Pin the province, along with on site project visits that provide the opportunity to talkto and see beneficiaries currently workingon projects.
This afternoon we will be visitingan environmental sector project which also has possibilities in the economic sector, namely the Mdantsane Greeningproject, which is fundedby the National Department of Environmental Affairs andTourism with an overall budget of R6.8million. The project is focusedon creatingwork opportunities coupledwith training, largely through the rehabilitation of the environment, with the aim of benefitingthe community environmentally andeconomically through the workopportunities, but also the possibility of engagingSMMEs. The project employs 220people, some of whom are undergoingtechnical training, and forms part of both the urban renewal programme andthe EPW P.
Thursday's programme starts with an event in Queenstown, coordinatedby the province, to honour women in construction, and as Imentionedearlier in this speech, the EPWPis committedto enhancingthe prospects of women in the labour market, andso I lookforwardto beingpart of the process of highlightingthe achievements of women.
W e will take time tomorrow afternoon to visit some learners engaged in trainingunder what is one of the cornerstones of this programme, the EPWPContractor Development Learnership programme. This is a two-year trainingprogramme that gives contractors the opportunity to learn how to implement labour intensive construction infrastructure projects.W e are grateful to the Construction Education andTrainingAuthority (CETA),which is the principle partner in managingthis programme.
Our final visit in your province is to a Vukuzakhe project site in the Chris Hani district municipality, which is one of your championed projects with the potential to be expandedinto other sectors, as I've also mentionedpreviously. Vukuzakhe refers to a provincial road andinfrastructure maintenance system that is aimedat alleviating poverty andreducingunemployment by creatingproductive work opportunities in what are often the most impoverishedareas of the province. Not unlike Zibambele in KwaZulu Natal, Vukuzakhe focuses on householdrather than individual contracts, as a way of addressingthe needto breakthe poverty cycle on a larger scale.
Iwant to thankour honourable hosts from the province for hosting us over these two days, andfor givingus access to EPWPprojects duringthis time. Imust also congratulate you for your commitment to the implementation of the EPWPin the province, andyour very real attempts to improve andscale up on what has provedto be an effective government initiative in reducingthe crushingeffects of poverty andunemployment in our country.