Benefits from building the Square Kilometre Array in Carnavon in the Northern Cape will be felt for more than half a century after completion. That is the word from Science and Technology Minister, Naledi Pandor.
Pandor told an Imbizo with affected communities that funding has been secured for the construction of the world’s largest radio telescope.
Priscilla Malgas started as a general worker at the SKA project in 2011. She took the opportunities on offer and recently qualified as an artisan.
“I don’t think this is where it’s going to stop, I still have plans to further my studies and qualify myself in a higher position,” she said.
The SKA has also sparked interest in science among the youth. “What I want to be when I grow up is an Aerotech engineer and as i do robotics we also do engineering,” said Science student, Samuel Wanga.
Among the benefits to the community, the 80 km road built at a cost of 200-million rands. However, it is the jobs and other opportunities that have made the SKA such a hit with the community.
It will take another decade to build and will need maintenance for another 50 years after that. At a local learning centre, locals will graduate with skills needed for the SKA.
“We’re still going into SKA phase one and SKA phase two and Eich will be funded at over a billion euros by the international community so it’s important when you use SA resources that you attract investment to SA and we have successfully worked to do that,” said minister Pandor.
Construction of the MeerKAT, the precursor to the SKA has been completed.
