The Environmental Affairs Department has employed 136 people to help give a facelift to the parks and gateways in Umtshezi. The launch was officially opened by Mayor of Umtshezi Municipality, Bongani Dlamini. He told more than 300 people gathered at Park One in Wembezi that four areas have been identified; a gateway along Eskort Limited, the Caravan Park, Wembezi Park One and street cleaning.

Mr Dlamini was obliged to explain to the community about the criteria used to employ the 136 people in the project.
He said in the seven wards – two, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine there were no problems with selection.
However, the two councillors of Wards one and three, Sam Dladla and Duncan Magubane should answer on behalf of their wards.

Both councillors told the community that they requested a list from the Ward Committees. The selection was made and submitted to DD Implementing Agency under the supervision of Mark Faku from the Environmental Affairs. Other questions posed to the Mayor were about the old two room houses which were leaking. “When would they be fixed?” residents asked.

He told the community that the matter was with the provincial Human Settlement Department and the municipality was still engaging with the department but did not have the time frames as to when the project will revv up.
The Mayor appealed to the management to have a database of students with qualifications, which might be of importance for the municipality.

Mr. Faku explained this project was an Expanded Public Works Program and its strategic objective was to restore and protect the environment. Also, to focus on greenery and open spaces. Mr Faku said there are several projects of this kind across the country. He added that out of the people employed, a larger percentage should cater for women and youth as well as physically challenged people.