KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka today officially launched a R10-million project that will seek to revitalise the Shayamoya Township in the Greater Kokstad local municipality. Under this project 70 young people have been hired through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to rebuild access roads across the township which is home to 30 000 people.
This investment by the department is part of efforts to assist municipalities in their recovery following the economic slowdown caused by the measures aimed at stopping the spread of the novel coronavirus, which have placed severe constraints on their revenue collection.
“As a department, we are committed to investing in the revitalisation of our townships and small towns through our Small Town Rehabilitation Programme. This investment into the municipality ensures that infrastructure is built and maintained, which has the potential of attracting further investments,” said Hlomuka.
Through this project, the municipality is constructing pavement layers, kerbs, channels for storm-water drainage, new storm-water drainage and relocation of water mains. In the implementation of this project labour-intensive methods are being utilised.
In his address during the launch Hlomuka urged the workforce to utilise this opportunity as a stepping stone to further develop themselves in their respective fields.
According to the Greater Kokstad Mayor Cllr Mtolo, the municipality has hired local graduates who specialise in fields, such as engineering, who will be taking part in the revitalisation of the Shayamoya Township