Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa will on Tuesday launch the Masibekela Recreational Park in Mpumalanga, which has resulted in employment opportunities for the community.
The Masibekela Recreational Project falls within the Greening & Open Space Management focus area.
The objective of open space management is to establish eco-friendly open spaces that are safe, attractively designed and well managed. This also promotes use of alternative energy sources, green infrastructure and ecosystem services. It also gives children and young people a space to play and relax.
To date the project has created work opportunities for 45 local people, including 23 women, 18 youth and one person with disability.
“The beneficiaries of the project have received training opportunities equipping them with the necessary skills that will enable them to find … other employment opportunities… Moreover, the project has contributed to the development of local small business enterprises,” said the Department of Environmental Affairs on Sunday.
These small businesses have been used to procure protective clothing, training, materials and equipment.
The department, through its Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme (EPIP), is funding environmental projects in Mpumalanga to alleviate poverty, protect natural resources and improve people’s lives.
These projects are classified according to seven focus areas which are Working on Waste, Working for the Coast, Working for Land, People and Parks, Wildlife Economy, Youth Environmental Services, and Greening & Open Space Management.
They work according to government’s Expanded Public Works Programme, which uses labour-intensive methods that target the unemployed. This creates opportunities for youth, women, people with disabilities and Small to Medium Size Enterprises. – SAnews.gov.za