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I wish to inform the people of KwaZulu-Natal that we remain determined to ensure that those who live in rural areas are not left behind as the new wave of human settlements delivery is sweeping throughout the corners of the province.

Today, I am scheduled to visit KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality to handover a house, built by females, to a 73-year old Gogo  Msweli. She lives with her 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild in one rondavel and one 7mX 3 m flat.  

The structures that they were living in were not suitable for human habitation and not structurally safe and sound. As the department we had to intervene and ensure speed in the construction of a new house for this deserving family. 

This is part of Maqumbi Rural Housing Project with a budget of more than R44, 3 million. To date, more than R17, 6 million has been spent for the construction of 1500 houses. Maqumbi Rural Housing Project Phase 1 is in Ward 4 and falls under Mkhonto Traditional Council within Maphumulo Local Municipality.

Critically, as Human Settlements and Public Works we are supporting the programme of Rural Development. We share the belief that rural development will help to ensure that the people live in areas where people could live with their families - work, access decent education and have access to quality healthcare. We understand that rural development will also help solve migration to big cities where there is competition of land and accommodation.

For our part to ensure rural development, we have used the Maqumbi Rural Housing Project as a firm base for the acquisition of skills. More than 30 young people, including 16 females, from the local community, have been subjected to an intensive bricklaying, plastering, roofing and carpentry training.  

The learners, who have been employed formally in the Maqumbi Rural Housing Project, will get their certificate in an official graduation ceremony scheduled to take place in the local community hall today. 

I have stated on numerous occasions that the skills development of our young people is fundamental to the growth trajectory that we have set ourselves as the province. Through our Expanded Public Works Programme we want young people to take charge of the infrastructure revolution.  The national government, together with the private sector, identified 276 projects with a total investment value of more than R2.7 trillion. Government went on to gazette 50 of these Strategic Integrated Projects with a value of R340 billion. 

The projects are in the areas of human settlements, water and sanitation, energy, transport, digital infrastructure, harbour development and maritime in general. Some of the projects are located in KwaZulu-Natal.  Our programme today should therefore be viewed within the context of preparing young people to take advantage of all infrastructure projects as we move forward.

Issued by the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Jomo Sibiya