Shared Service Centre worth R100 million launched in Athlone

By Celeste Ganga
17 March 2008

On Monday Western Cape MEC for Transport and Public Works Marius Fransman launched the construction of a R100 million Shared Service Centre in Athlone.

According to a statement by the Department, the Centre is set to mark the beginning of a new era on how government uses infrastructure development to benefit poor communities beyond just the creation of job opportunities.

“The Centre will be a one-stop facility for application of operating licences for buses, taxis etc. More importantly, for the first time in the history of government construction, labour and material supplies will be sourced from six communities within the 5km radius of the building,” says the Departments’ Eric Ntabazalila.

He adds that unemployed people from Langa, Gugulethu, Bonteheuwel, Silvertown, Heideveld and Mannenberg will get first preference in employment and earn more than R19 million in salaries and wages over the next 15 months.

“Material supplies will also be sourced within the 5km radius targeting mainly small businesses in the various areas,” says Ntabazalila.

The construction site is situated next to Vangate Mall.