Pretoria - The Gauteng provincial government is to launch a community works project aimed at job creation, says Finance MEC Mandla Nkomfe.
"This budget makes provision for the province to utilise R7.5 million to launch and implement a Community Works programme in the coming fiscal year.
"This programme will, provide much more needed employment opportunities to the people of Gauteng especially those from the poorest households," he said on Tuesday.
Tabling the provincial budget for the 2010/2011 financial year the MEC said the province had made an investment in projects aimed at scaling up job creation.
In order to assist the agricultural sector, R12.4 million has been made available for the improvement of infrastructure and employment creation through the Maize Triangle Strategy.
This strategy, he said, involves the development of the Emfuleni Agriculture Hub, Midvaal Agriculture Hub and Lesedi Agriculture Hub.
Each of these hubs will receive start-up seeds and fertilizers, tractors, related farming equipment as well as farmer support services.
Gauteng will also intensify its efforts to clean and green the environment.
"The Clean and Green Strategy project initiated in 2009/10 will continue over the next MTEF, at an estimated cost of R8 million set aside in this budget for greening the environment," said the MEC.
The provincial strategy includes environment clean-up campaigns as well as the conversion of illegal dumping sites into parks. "This will further contribute to minimising the impact of global warming," said Nkomfe.
The MEC said that the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup presents opportunities for economic growth particularly in tourism and hospitality. He said in order for the province to capitalise on the tournament, it will host a Gauteng Gateway 2010 Summit in order to attract businesses.
