About 800 beneficiaries took to the streets on Tuesday (20/2) across all Mangaung Metro regions after the mayor launched the Presidential Stimulus Employment (PES) and Expanded Public Works Programme at the Bloemfontein City Hall.

Mayor Gregory Nthatisi launched the second phase of the PES, which focuses on the revitalisation of parks and open spaces. More than R19 million was allocated for this programme. It will run until Friday, 14 June.

Mayor Gregory Nthatisi launched the second phase of the PES. Picture: Mangaung Metro Municipality/Facebook.

“The city entrances, parks and heritage sites are going to be your area of focus. This is part of the metro’s larger plans to tidy up the city,” said Nthatisi.

“We are all going to work together to restore Mangaung to its former glory. I urge the participants to take pride in their work and make sure the community of Mangaung sees the difference on the ground.”

The 800 workers took to the streets after the launch. Picture: Mangaung Metro Municipality/Facebook.

After the launch, the 800 workers took to the streets, the parks, and open spaces with black bags, shovels, and picks to start cleaning up.

The budget for the programme was allocated by the office of the president, said Municipal Manager Sello More. The workers were dressed in new uniforms with the PES abbreviation on the back and lime green hats.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg