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Deputy Public Works Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu this morning handed over land on Farm Woodgrange in Hibberdene, to the Ugu District and Hibiscus Coast Municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal.

The decision to dispose of the vacant land is as a result of a Sales Agreement wherein the National Department of Public Works as a custodian of state's immoveable assets, agreed to sell the property jointly to the two municipalities for the purpose of commercial development.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu paid homage to the former late Public Works Minister Stella Sigcau, who approved the disposal of the land in June 2005.

"Despite her deteriorating state of health at the time, Minister Sigcau like a true cadre was inspired to promote the success and the realization of the socio-economic goals of government as contained in the Reconstruction and Development Programme. Economic growth, social development and people empowerment were primordial goals of this government and they remain as such".

In her support of the joint venture between the Ugu and Hibiscus Coast Municipality, the Deputy Minister expressed her belief in the municipalities' use of the land in a manner assisting government in growing the local economy and encouraged to municipalities to contribute to government's Expanded Public Works Programme.

"Such capital investments, even in times of recession are necessary to uphold business investor confidence, stimulate demand and promote supply which is a correct remedy to cushion the economy against the turbulence brought by global economic forces. As central government, we are encouraged by this transaction and believe that it will bring benefits to the local community."

"The local government sphere is imperative to the success of the EPWP and its guidelines. Experience has shown us that it is mostly through municipal projects that local communities benefit the most in terms of income generation. We therefore trust that through this joint venture, there will be a clear outline as to how the municipalities will adamantly contribute to the target of creating 4.5 million work opportunities by 2014."

Addressing the project developers, Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu emphasized the importance of the employment of and skills transferal to local people.

"An important element to EPWP Phase 2 has to do with ensuring that the beneficiaries undergo skills training to ensure that they are able to use their skills beyond the allocated period of employment. I would like to pose a challenge to you to set targets as to the number of local people you are to include in your team and how many you are willing to train and nurture as participants in this industry".