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:
Victor Moreriane
Cell: 082 561 3768
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 083 602 6169
Issued by: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
15 February 2007
