Prisoners build houses
2007-04-04
A GROUP of twenty volunteer prisoners received certificates from the Minister for Correctional Services, Ngconde Balfour, in Paarl on Monday after completing a 60-day house building course.
They will utilise their new skills in the construction of houses in Project 2 in Mbekweni.
Councillor Arthob Petersen, portfolio holder for housing, congratulated them and said he trusted the learners found it an enlightening experience which they could use to benefit the community.
He spoke on Project 2, an ill-fated housing project that was started up ten years ago and was plagued with problems from the start.
About 18 months ago the provincial Department of Housing started a pilot programme with some youths to kick-start the process.
“Subsequently 25 houses have been built and 28 students qualified.”
He commended the provincial housing department for the new strategy, designed in co-operation with the Department of Correctional Services, to fast-track delivery.
The project manager, Pauline Houniet, explained the programme.
The 20 inmates will now be involved in building what she called “energy saving” houses. On finishing their sentences, the Department will also help them to seek jobs.
The houses, of which several examples have already been completed, are built with recycled material.
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