The Hon Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi has urged delegates at the third Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Summit to look more into the Non-State Sector, in order to accelerate growth in the roll out of the Expanded Public Works Programme.
Speaking at the summit’s closing ceremony at St Georges Hotel in Centurion, the Minister thanked all non-governmental-organisations, community-based organisations and faith-based-organisations for the work they are doing in the Expanded Public Works Programme.
The Minister highlighted some of the achievements of the programme from the past year. He said 277 municipalities out of 278 had signed protocols, 24 municipalities had endorsed EPWP policies compared to three last year; 1212 municipal officials had been trained in labour intensive construction methods and this has contributed to an 11% increase in the labour intensity rate since the last summit.
“As a result of the revision of the incentive grant, 139 municipalities – a majority of which are smaller municipalities have received additional funding,” said Minister Nxesi.
He said at the end of the second quarter of the current financial year, 52% of the total allocation for EPWP integrated grants had been claimed.
“I would like to commend all the municipalities who have reported and claimed these incentive grants. They have directly impacted to alleviate the plight of the poor and unemployed South Africans,” said the Minister.
The Minister emphasised to municipalities and all EPWP implementers the importance of correct reporting, as it contributes to correct figures which guide future planning.
“Let me assure you that the EPWP is appreciated and supported at the highest levels of government, so the responsibility rests on all of us to meet these high standards,” he added.
The Minister also challenged delegates to think about growing the size and reach of EPWP.
He said the programme is no longer seen simply as a short-term programme to mitigate unemployment, but must be mainstreamed into the work of government at every level as well as in the non-state sector.
He challenged municipalities to raise the bar in innovation and creativity to encourage the implementation of projects that employ a large number of the unemployed, as well as provide much needed goods and services to local communities.
In conclusion, the Minister expressed his appreciation, saying he did not see any vague and unrealistic targets or unsustainable short-cuts from the summit resolutions. He further assured the EPWP implementers of his department’s help and support.
“I am struck by a sense of steady progress, consolidation of the programme and clear evidence that you are building a solid foundation for future growth,” the Minister remarked.
