Pretoria – PetroSA, South Africa’s national oil company has announced an R8.5 million initiative to improve environmental management and community development in the Mossel Bay area of the Southern Cape.
“The initiative, which was announced by Dipuo Peters, the Minister of Energy, will ensure that about 100 historically disadvantaged individuals benefit through much-needed employment opportunities,” said the national oil company.
The project is scheduled for Mossel Bay in the Southern Cape. The funds will be used to upgrade the main road, Mayixhale Street in KwaNonqaba Township. The road which has been degraded and unusable for vehicles, links the township with the Mossel Bay business district.
“PetroSA has come to the aid of the community with a R2 million sponsorship to fix the road. This project will see 22 residents employed during its implementation,” said spokesperson Thabo Mabaso.
Also to be given a new lease on life is the Groot Brak River. The river feeds the municipal water supply. R2 million will be used for the project resulting in the employment of 22 Mossel Bay residents.
The Freimersheim River Deforestation project will see the clearing of alien vegetation at the river to the tune of R2.5 million employing 28 residents.
R2 million has been allocated to the Amy Searle River Channel Environment Project which will ensure improvements to the river’s channel and flow particularly during rainy season. Twenty-two historically disadvantaged people will be employed.
“Through such initiatives PetroSA is demonstrating its commitment to support the government of the republic in its efforts to push back the frontiers of poverty, advance socio-economic development, as well create job opportunities,” PetroSA’s acting president and CEO Nkosemntu Nika said.
Nika said the donation signified the partnership between PetroSA, the Mossel Bay community, the National Government and local authority.
“PetroSA through its Corporate Social Investment has made significant strides in addressing developmental challenges in the areas of education, community development and environmental preservation, especially in and around Mossel Bay,” he said.
Since 2003 PetroSA has invested over R200 million in social investment initiatives. – BuaNews
