Now Jozi gets down to work

29-03-2015

 

Four work packages with a combined value of  R550 000 are up for  grabs in Region B under Jozi@Work, the City of Johannesburg’s unprecedented empowerment and job-creation programme.
 

This represents a significant step forward for the R1 billion mayoral programme following its launch by Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau last year.
 

The four packages were announced during a series of briefing sessions attended by registered cooperatives and businesses over the past week.

The four projects are for the renovation of the Robin Hills Swimming Pool for R70 000, upgrading of the Riverlea Recreation Centre for R342 000, improvement of access to the Emmarentia Library (R63 000) and improvement of access to the Riverlea Swimming Pool (R75 000).

Those present at the briefing sessions received expressions of interest forms, submission requirements, work package outlines and costing.

They were also advised on how to tender and how the Capacity Support Agency (CSA) could help them. The agency has been contracted by the City to help residents who are bidding for the projects.

“The response to this process has been amazing,” said Jozi@Work Regional Steering Committee chairman Monwabisi Siwedi.

“Once all the expressions of interest forms have been submitted, the selection process will take five days. Using a scorecard we will then recommend entities with the highest scores to the CSA.

“Overall, we are very happy with the progress we have made since the first work packages were issued in December. We have had great support from the community as well.

“This initiative is about service delivery; it’s about empowering communities while helping them to improve their skills and capacity. We will come back to the communities every month to check progress and to bring new projects,” Siwedi said.

Pat Letlalo of Sophiatown said her 10-member cooperative would bid for all four projects.

“These meetings are very useful. They help a lot of people understand how exactly Jozi@Work works. Jozi@Work is creating opportunities for many people, especially now with all the retrenchments and high unemployment rate in the country,” Letlalo said.