Above: Images captured at the Osizweni Handicraft Centre, the KZN Department of Social Development facility which caters for disabled people in Osizweni area, ward 30
AMAJUBA: On Thursday, 4 April 2024 the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Sipho ‘KK’ Nkosi visited a multi-million rand Osizweni Handicraft Centre (OHCC) Project in Newcastle.
Armed with a service delivery mandate, his intention is to monitor latest developments registered as the project reaches advanced completion stages. This is being done under a well-renowned Departmental project monitoring initiative, the Operation Siyahlola Programme which has become the talk of the town in KwaZulu-Natal.
The day’s short programme was directed by the Acting Deputy Director General, Infrastructure Maintenance and Technical Support Ms Zinhle Pfute. Midlands Regional Director, Mr Gcina Hadebe presented a detailed project profile to the attendees. Mr Hadebe indicated that the Osizweni Handicraft Centre has created 11 EPWP work opportunities from the local community of ward 30.
The OHCC is a government facility which boasts repairs and renovations inclusive of the Administration Block A, Kitchen Block B and Gate House Block L. This extends to minor works being performed at the Workshop Blocks C, D, E, F and Ablution Blocks G and I. Such construction work further stretches to refurbishment of an existing facility, Classroom Block H which caters for the handicapped and disabled people. The R 10 505 901.54 facility is specifically designed to address the needs of handcraft entrepreneurs by affording them a conducive platform to easily market their crafts.
Far right, Project Manager from the Midlands Regional Office, Ms Hloni Vilakazi briefing MEC and management on the latest developments registered as the project continues
MEC Nkosi assured all attendees that, the KZN Department of Public Works is committed to service delivery as it thrives towards becoming a fully-fledged Implementing Agent of Choice in the Province. The MEC also appreciated the work which has already been completed by the appointed contractor who managed to perform such a mammoth task without any glitches. He further acknowledged and thanked the commitment and full support of all relevant stakeholders including project managers, local Councillors, the workers and the community.
Representing the KZN Department of Social Development, Ms Zethu Mdlalose and Mr Mthokozisi Ntombela expressed their excitement as the project is near completion.
