Department to groom five young people in Kgetleng to become viable contractors
Bokone Bophirima MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements Collen Maine has committed to support five ordinary young people from Kgetleng River Local Municipality to groom and turn them into viable and sustainable housing contractors. MEC Maine who was representing the Bokone Bophirima Provincial Government made the announcement during the Youth Dialogue session held at Swartruggens community hall yesterday as part of young month activities.
The dialogue was attended by young people from different villages, townships and small dorpies of Kgetleng Rivier local municipality who raised diverse issues which mostly focussed on the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
MEC Maine said: “As the Department of Local Government and Human Settlements we have committed 700 houses this financial year which should be built by young people. Some of those young people will be from this area.
I need five young people so that we put them to participate in the mainstream of our economy by becoming viable housing contractors. However we need disciplined young people who will deliver quality houses and not buy expensive cars after their first claim. This opportunity is for those who want to grow and remain in the industry and groom other wanna-be contractors” said MEC Maine.
MEC Maine also ordered the registration of cooperatives by young people so that they can begin to be part of the contractors who should be included in future project in the area.
“On Thursday in the municipal community halls, officials will come to assist you to register cooperatives and we appeal to you to avail yourself for this exercise. As the provincial government we have taken a decision that in each and every project, 40% of the work should be given to local cooperatives. So in all future projects these cooperatives will benefit so that we create employment and depart important skills to young people’’, said MEC Maine.
Other issues raised by young people included the unavailability of youth desks, lack of recreational facilities and support by government, alcohol and drug abuse, high teenage pregnancy, lack of scholar transport and few text books.
MEC Maine has advised to ensure availability of youth desks with important information at all municipal buildings and that young people should use halls and other recreational facilities without paying. He also committed to forward other concerns to relevant departments so that they can be attended to as a matter of urgency.
For enquiries:
Ben Bole
Spokesperson
Tel: (018) 388 4824
Cell: (071) 566 1399
Fax: (018) 391 0328
Email: MSBole@nwpg.gov.za
