Pretoria - The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, on Friday launched the Working for the Coast projects, with a budget of over R292 million.
The new cycle will run for the duration of two years, covering the entire coastline from Alexander Bay to Kosi Bay, said a statement.
The Working for the Coast projects are part of the Expanded Public Works Programme initiative of the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).
These projects aim to create job opportunities, training and skills development, particularly in rural communities.
Over R19 million of the total budget for the projects will be allocated to training of beneficiaries by accredited institutions. Primary beneficiaries of this programme are largely local women and the youth.
The department aims to create access to pristine beaches and a well conserved coastline through these projects.
The department said other benefits of this project also include attracting much needed revenue to the coastal towns and communities, whilst creating job opportunities in the tourism sector.
These projects will generate approximately 2 536 work opportunities and 5 500 full-time equivalent opportunities, over two years.
The beneficiaries of this programme would help in achieving government’s objective of responsible coastal management by contributing to the development and maintenance of coastal infrastructure. They will also assist municipalities in obtaining and maintaining blue flag status for their beaches, regular coastal clean-ups, as well as the removal of invasive alien vegetation. – SAnews.gov.za
