The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, will officially hand over the R14 million eco-parks in Mdantsane and Duncan village to Buffalo City Metropolitan. The official hand-over is scheduled to take place at Mdantsane Eco-Park on the 19 April 2013 from 9h00.
The purpose of constructing eco-parks is to reverse environmental degradation, utilizing of open-space to prevent illegal dumping, creation of sports facilities and recreation for local communities. At the same time, such projects generate much needed employment, training and skills transfer to local communities. In addition to contributing to open-space management, eco-parks also enhance the physical character of areas whilst also promoting greening initiatives.
The construction was focused on removing alien vegetation, rehabilitation of wetlands, construction of ablution facilities, construction of pedestrian walkways, installation of park benches, bins, park lights, fencing, tree planting, parking bays, and erection of sports facilities. This project has created work opportunities for 186 local people.
The construction of the eco-parks followed government’s requirements of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which advocates labour intensive methods in order to empower communities with employment.
The details of the handover are as follows:
Date: Friday, 19 April 2013
Time: 9h00
Venue: Mdantsane Eco-Park
To RSVP contact:
Xolani Ngqoshela
Tel: 012 310 3078
Cell: 074 668 0924
E-mail: xngqoshela@environment.gov.za
For media queries contact:
Peter Mbelengwa
Cell: 082 611 8197
