The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) reported last month that it had built 496 houses in the small town of Moltena, outside Queenstown, in the Eastern Cape, on behalf of the Department of Human Settlements (DoHS).

The initiative forms part of projects that the CDC has successfully implemented on behalf of various government departments to catalyse socioeconomic development in the province.
The CDC was appointed by the DoHS to implement and mentor small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) throughout the project and ensure high-quality construction and successful implementation of the project.

Sixteen emerging contractors within the Chris Hani district municipality were appointed, creating about 76 jobs for local communities.
A dedicated team of technical managers and mentors provided technical and business support for emerging contractors throughout the implementation of the project. The mentoring of emerging contractors focused on key developmental areas, such as material, labour and construction management.
Construction company Mamtshali Trading Enterprise owner Nosango Yabo outlined how the project positively contributed to her company. “As an emerging contractor, I have gained a lot of experience through this project. I am quite delighted for being awarded this opportunity. As a result of this project, I am now well equipped with the most desired skills in construction management.”
The project is valued at about R49-million and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

According to CDC technical procurement support unit programme manager Bekani Madyibi, the project was carried out exclusively by SMMEs. “Our objective for this project was to ensure that the quality of work put in by SMMEs is of an acceptable standard that is satisfactory to everyone.”
The project started in 2013, turning an empty piece of land into a large community and, to date, most of the 496 houses have been handed over to the beneficiaries within the Molteno community.
CDC marketing and communications head Dr Ayanda Vilakazi highlights that four of the five companies working on the project are owned by women. “The pragmatic transformation of our society in ensuring that women benefit throughout in all projects by the CDC, is at the forefront of what we do,” she says.