Solar project decreases unemployment

The solar project that was started early this year creates employment opportunities to Soweto residents who are unemployed.

Executive council for Infrastructure Development Qedani Mahlangu said for the 2013 and 2014 financial year, the solar project target is to create 118 581 employment opportunities at provincial level, and 77 289 at municipal level, through the revamped Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

“The programme aimed to benefit 65 220 women, 47 432 youth and 2 372 people with disabilities.

“The department aimed to transform itself into the premier construction and project management organisation in the provincial government, able to compete with the private sector in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation,” she said.

Mahlangu said over the past year, they have undertaken a concerted drive to recruit the technical expertise that will enable them to execute construction and maintenance work.

“Since from the beginning of the project, 214 technical staff including 143 artisans and 71 engineers has been appointed, and another 42 technical posts were in the process of being filled.

“The department would also renew its efforts to attract and retain the necessary technical expertise at all levels,” she said.

Mahlangu said that the department operated at the shaft of service delivery.