Zinhle Mapumulo

Zinhle Mapumulo

Another woman-owned construction project has been launched in an effort to close the gap in the construction industry.

Gauteng MEC for housing Nomvula Mokonyane launched the project at Tinasonke informal settlement in Eden Park, Ekurhuleni, last week.

Last year the department allocated R200million to 10 women-owned construction companies throughout the province to build houses.

Speaking at the launch, Mokonyane said many people were sceptical last year and doubted if it could be done.

"What we are doing here today demonstrates our commitment to empowering our women and improving the lives of our people. While we were certain our action would result in the empowerment of these women, at the back of our minds we were aware that the odds were stacked against these women contractors and that the road would be a difficult one," Mokonyane said.

"The department had put in place mentoring teams to support and help the women," she said.

The Tinasonke project will benefit about 500 families who have been without proper houses for many years. The area was identified as a relocation site for people living at the Alberton Station informal settlement.

Mokonyane saidthe department was still committed to ensure people are housed in a safe and secure environment.

"The houses we are building are investments and people need to take care of them.

"Most importantly, they now have title deeds so they can use their homes as collateral," she said.