Minister Simmers encourages emerging contractors at their graduation in George
Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers attended the graduation ceremony of emerging contractors on CIDB Grade level 1 & 2 in George on Friday, 3 February 2023. The Regional Structure Training Programme piloted in 2022/23 in the Garden Route, consisted of 20 participants.
Speaking at the ceremony Minister Simmers said: “I would like to congratulate graduates on taking up the opportunity afforded by the Department of Public Works, aimed at empowering emerging contractors. It is through initiatives like these, that the Western Cape Government is able to bring about tangible changes in the lives of entrepreneurs.”
The accredited course offered over 8 months is geared towards empowering contractors in Project Administration. The contractors attended 8 block weeks of 5 consecutive days of training during this period. The learning outcomes included:
- Enterprise Development
- Labour intensive construction and innovation
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Applied construction techniques
- Construction site management
- Contract documentation
Following the very special graduation ceremony the Minister and officials visited the Social Infrastructure (Human Settlements) Metro Grounds Project. A project where the Minister turned the sod, at the end of September 2022. In under 10 weeks of active operations the site has seen significant progress being made. It is anticipated that 436 housing opportunities will be created, upon completion of the project. Through this project 120 youths aged 18 – 25 years, have participated in a learnership programme, that includes theory and on the job training.
Thrilled at the progress made, Minister Simmers said: “the Metro Grounds project is an exemplar of what is meant by Western Cape Government delivering urgent service delivery and restoring hope for our citizens. With the progress made here, the community of George can expect to see the first batch of houses delivered in May this year. I am absolutely delighted by the efforts our team and partners have put into this project.”
The Minister concluded his one-day visit to the Garden Route, by joining the Deputy Minister in the Presidency Thembi Siweya at the launch of community radio station Heartbeat FM’s latest studio facilities.
“Community radio stations play a significant role in maintaining social cohesion in our communities as they also create economic and job opportunities. This was a dream that started in September 2014, to bring together and instill hope in the Garden Route religious community. It is amazing to see it growing to become one of the fastest growing community radio stations in the country, with over 250 00 listeners. I am deeply honored to be amongst the invited guests,” said the Minister.
Friday’s visits were a demonstration of the Western Cape Government commitment to delivering infrastructure projects that can connect citizens to opportunities and restore dignity and hope.
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Media Enquiries:
Ntobeko Mbingeleli Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers Tel: 021 483 2872 Mobile: 061 447 7851 Email: Ntobeko.Mbingeleli@westerncape.gov.za
or
Nathan Adriaanse Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations Tell: 021 483 2868 Mobile: 083 263 1720 Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za