MORE than 500 unskilled and semi-skilled people have been employed since the launch of the R300-million Kei Rail project aimed at reviving the East London-Umtata corridor, reports the Daily Dispatch.

The flagship project undertaken by the Eastern Cape government was launched in August 2003. By reviving the defunct 281-km stretch of rail between East London and Umtata, it also aims to stimulate growth in the area, according to a press statement.

Labourers are receiving accredited on-site training by contractors to increase competency and enhance their ability to secure future employment, according to the statement. Project leader Lan Situma said residents of local communities who received training on the project would have their skills certified by the Construction Services Education and Training Authority.

He said 500 people had already been trained in various areas of expertise. The newspaper said the first phase of the project, which ends in mid-April, was designed to ensure that the track would be hazard-free for 10 years.

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