The SIOC-cdt has committed more than R116-million to five construction projects in the Gamagara Local Municipality of the Northern Cape.
Mr Lepulane Maboshego, the CEO of the Gamagara Development Forum (GDF) say construction on the five projects will begin in November and should be completed by the end of 2014.

The GDF is committed to develop sustainable communities and the five new projects will address all of our primary focus areas – education and development, welfare and humanitarian support, sports, arts and culture, land and housing and enterprise development, he says. The funding for the projects is provided through the contribution of the Sishen Iron Ore Company – Community Development Trust towards the Gamagara Development Forum.

The projects are:
• The upgrading of the Olifantshoek Sports Complex at the value of R 16.9 million. This will improve infrastructure to acceptable minimum standards, improve the living conditions and facilitate the employment of local workers with the emphasis on woman and youth. The Centre is designed to provide opportunities and facilities for talented athletes to achieve excellence in sports through competition. The young sportsmen and sportswoman, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, are provided with the necessary facilities and opportunities needed to reach their potential. The entire community of the Gamagara Local Municipality will benefit from this project with improved facilities also encouraging mass participation in leisure and sporting activities – “getting the nation to play”.

• The GDF is investing R22.3 million in the renovation of the Olifantshoek Hospital. The upgraded facility will provide adequate community health services and improve the quality of the lives of the community of Olifantshoek. The Forum is working with the Northern Cape Department of Health on the project. The new facility will address the long-standing concerns of the community about the state of the hospital, enable it to operate 24 hours and improve its ability to attract and retain medical staff.

• The Mapoteng Multi-Purpose Centre will be constructed by the GDG at a cost of R26.2 million. The new facility will be a one – stop, integrated community development centre, providing services which can address community needs are provide relevant services and information.
The Centre will provide recreation and learning facilities for the community, enhance social cohesion, provide jobs during construction and support SMME development. The centre will consist of a multipurpose community hall, an office block and a library hall with a computer study area. There will be multi-use indoor and outdoor facilities, including fields for sports such as football and rugby.

• The GDF has committed R29.6 million for the construction of 200 subsidy houses in partnership with the Gamagara Local Municipality (GLM). 
The project will create employment for the youth, women and men in Gamagara through the construction of the subsidy houses and present opportunities for the local business community through subcontracting and the supply of building materials. It will also provide training opportunities to the youth and women and equip them with skills in various trades of construction. It will contribute to investor confidence in the Gamagara region by creating an enabling environment for business people and provide a sense of security and a healthy neighbourhood. The GDF will construct a total of 200 subsidy houses over a period of two years on already surveyed and serviced stands in the different areas of the GLM. The beneficiaries will enjoy a better standard of living in houses with two bedrooms, bathrooms with a toilet, kitchen and lounge. The Gamagara Local Municipality will provide water, sewerage and electricity to the new development.

• To demonstrate its commitment to education and skills development, R23.0 million has been allocated to the upgrading and building of additional classrooms for Langberg High School and the upgrading of hostels at the Langberg High School and Deben Primary School.
The project is the first phase of a comprehensive school infrastructure development within the Gamagara Municipality in line with the Department of Education’s objectives to accelerate safe learning environments.