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Addressing the South African Women in Construction (SAWIC) policy conference the Minister of Human Settlements, Honourable Lindiwe Sisulu announced today that thirty percent (30%) of all human settlements projects with a rand value of over R35 Billion of the R150 Billion projected budget over five years will be awarded to companies and cooperatives owned by women.

Minister Sisulu added that to support women cooperatives and companies to access this allocation and also grow their companies the National Department of Human Settlements has set up a Women in Construction Support Branch, headed a Deputy Director General (DDG) dedicated to coordinating capacity development and general support to women in community infrastructure construction.

"We are committed to supporting women and youth, our provinces and municipalities will also set up offices to support women and youth in construction. I call on women at this policy conference to support and encourage other women to join construction" She said.

The Minister announced to the delight of delegates that she is considering the formation of a Women Construction Bank to focus on financing women cooperatives and construction companies that are involved in community infrastructure and human settlements projects. “My dream is of a Women Construction Bank to assist you with bridging finance and loans for building material and vehicles for work. l think National Urban Reconstruction & Housing Agency (NURCHA) one of our development finance institution when it finally merge with Rural Housing Loan Fund (RHLF) and National Housing Finance Cooperation (NHFC) can assist us with this national task, to have dedicated financial teams and advisors for women, we will insist they must be women as well” Sisulu said.

The Minister called on all partners in the construction sector who are working with Government to build 1.5 Million housing opportunities in 5 years and also to join her and target 30 percent of their sub-contracting work to women.

"All big companies and our partners are invited to join us in empowering women, l challenge them to award 30 percent of their work to women cooperatives and companies, particularly small medium companies in order for them to grow. We as government we will hold their hands and support them just give us a chance, we will show you what women can do" She added.

She called on Parliament, Provincial Legislatures, Councils and women organisations like SAWIC to monitor that women are empowered and given opportunities.