Environmental Affairs launches coastal project

The new cycle will run for the duration of two years covering the entire coastline from Alexander Bay to Kosi Bay.

The Working for the Coast projects are part of the Expanded Public Works Programme initiative of the DEA. These projects aim to create job opportunities, training and skills development, particularly in rural communities. Over R19,159,000 of the total budget for the projects will be allocated for training of beneficiaries by accredited institutions. Primary beneficiaries of this programme are largely local women and the youth.

Access to beaches

The Department aims to create access to pristine beaches and a well conserved coastline through these projects. The many other benefits of this project include how it will not only contribute to the country being a tourism destination of choice across the world, but will also bring about much needed revenue to the coastal towns and communities, whilst creating job opportunities in the tourism sector.

These projects will generate approximately 2,536 work opportunities and 5,500 full-time equivalent opportunities over two years. The beneficiaries of this programme will help in achieving the government's objective of responsible coastal management by contributing to the development and maintenance of coastal infrastructure. They will also assist municipalities in obtaining and maintaining blue flag status for their beaches, regular coastal clean-ups, as well as the removal of invasive alien vegetation.

Prior to the launch Mabudafhasi, together with members of Saldanha community, collected over 40 bags of litter as part of the International Coastal Clean-up Day celebration. She encouraged members of the public to take ownership of the oceans. "We must become involved in the management of our coasts and must take responsibility for keeping our coasts clean and healthy, ridding it from both seen and unseen pollution," she said.