The National Minister of Public Works, Mr Geoff Doidge, MP, today Wednesday, 19 August 2009, together with Northern Cape Premier Hazel Jenkins, signed an implementation protocol agreement and launched the roll-out of Expanded Public Works Programme phase two.
The purpose of the implementation protocol, which all provincial Premiers are required to sign, is amongst others, to establish an agreed framework for cooperation and coordination between the national Department of Public Works and the province, to confirm the province’s agreement and commitment to achieving the targeted number of full time equivalent jobs in the province by 2014 and to confirm the province’s agreement and commitment to assisting and mobilising municipalities in the province.
Speaking at the official launch of EPWP phase two in the Northern Cape Province,
Minister Doidge congratulated Premier Hazel Jenkins and her Cabinet for their commitment to meeting the targets as set out by the agreement. The signing of the implementation protocol this morning, is an indication of the Northern Cape government’s recognition of the needs of the people of this province and this government’s commitment, to ensuring that its people benefit from the work opportunities provided through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) phase two. Minister Doidge also emphasised the importance of the already established national EPWP coordinating committee consisting of EPWP units at national and provincial level as well as representatives from EPWP national sectors.
This team is tasked with monitoring and evaluating the progress of EPWP across all sphere and sectors of government, provide possible solutions to constraints faced in the implementation of the programme, as well as reporting to me as Minister of Public Works on EPWP and the progress in meeting our targets.
In his message to the Northern Cape Provincial Government, Minister Doidge emphasised the Provincial Cabinet’s accountability to residents of the province. The successful roll out of EPWP phase two, as well as the reporting of its progress, will give us an indication of how far we are in truly addressing the challenges faced by our people and acting on the mandate we were given following the national government elections in April this year.
Addressing the audience, provincial MEC for Roads and Public Works David
Rooi acknowledged the successes of the first phase of EPWP and recommitted his department to achieving the targets set for the second phase of the programme.
Together we can do more to achieve our target for the next five years. We have committed to provide skills to the unemployed youth. Our mandate as the
Department of Roads and Public Works is to build roads and maintain public infrastructure. We will continue to built public schools and libraries.
For more information contact:
Koketso Sachane
Cell: 082 728 8836
Ben Sedisho
Cell: 082 090 0407
Issued by: Department of Public Works
19 August 2009
Source: Department of Public Works (http://www.publicworks.gov.za/)
