Public Works Programme (EPWP) project in Modimong
18 February 2006
Modimong village near Taung came to life on Friday, 17 February 2006, when
North West Premier Honourable Mme Edna Molewa and the MEC Howard Yawa of the
Department of Public Works launched a R93,6 million EPWP project.
Jubilation and dancing by the estimated 8000 crowd greeted the launch of the
province's massive infrastructure investment that is part of the Taung
Development Programme. The Programme is part of the Province's Five Special
High Impact Programmes that are to contribute towards Accelerated and Shared
Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA).
The various infrastructure projects that are to benefit the Modimong and
Cokonyane villages include:
* 6,8 kilometres road upgrading and surfacing project of the road between Taung
and Modimong
* Rehabilitation of 30 kilometres of village roads in Modimong and Cokonyane by
means of labour intensive methods in EPWP Mode
* Food security scheme to benefit 200 households in Modimong and Cokonyane
village
* Land care project
* Brick making, stone crushing and sand digging projects that are to be linked
to projects to construct community halls in Modimong and Cokonyane villages
Premier Molewa called on the people in the area to be involved in the
initiative and also announced that the provincial government in partnership
with the Greater Taung Local Municipality and the Bophirima District
Municipality, is also investigating the following as future possible
projects:
* A gaming farming and tourism initiative
* A community livestock farming initiative
* An olive production initiative
* People's housing programme, which is also linked to the brick making, sand
and stone production Projects.
Premier Molewa said that in three years time, people would not be able to
recognise Modimong and Cokonyane from how they look today.
"In the implementing the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, we are
determined to follow our people wherever they are", concluded Premier
Molewa.
In his speech, MEC Yawa said that since the project is a replica of the
Integrated Modimola EPWP in the Central Region, the lessons and experiences
that are gathered in that project will help the Integrated Modimong Project
move at an accelerated pace.
He further said that the project adds to the 207 EPWP projects that have
created thus far 13 578 job opportunities throughout the province in the
current financial year alone. In the Bophirima Region, 2788 job opportunities
were created through 48 EPWP projects.
MEC Yawa called for involvement of disabled persons in the project. The
Integrated Modimong EPWP project is expected to create over 600 job and
training opportunities for the people of Modimong and neighbouring
villages.
MEC Mayisela, the Executive Mayor of the Bophirima District Council, the
Mayor of the Greater Taung Municipality, Dikgosi and members of the
Baphuduhucwana, Ba Ga-Maidi, Ba Ga-Motlhabane Traditional Councils, councillors
and officials of the Greater Taung Local Municipality and the Bophirima
District Council graced the colourful occasion. Solly Moholo had the
dignitaries and his rural fans on their toes and screaming for more until the
late afternoon.
Enquiries
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: (018) 387 2447
Cell: 083 629 1987
Issued by: Department of Public Works, North West Provincial
Government
18 February 2006
