Local EPWP ready for phase 3

The Govan Mbeki Municipality hosted the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workshop on Tuesday, 26 May at the council chamber.

May 29, 2015

1 minute read

Attendees listen to various presentations.

SECUNDA – Mr Isaac Mthapo, representative of the National Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, congratulated the Govan Mbeki Municipality for the their good performance in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

During his presentation at the workshop held at the municipal council chamber on Tuesday, 26 May, Mr Thampo reminded the attendees, including the Speaker, Mr Cyril Gwiji, the mayoral committee, councillors and officials, about the vision and objectives of the programme.

He said the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is a nationwide programme to draw significant numbers of unemployed into productive work, accompanied by training so that they increase their capacity to earn an income.

“It is one of the government’s arrays of programmes aimed at providing poverty and income relief through temporary work for the unemployed to carry out socially useful activities.

“The existing programme under the Department of Public Works, focused mainly on infrastructure and environmentally related work opportunities.

“The programme is now being expanded to the social and economic sectors.”

He said the workshop’s aim was to briefly review the performance of the municipality and to prepare for a successful implementation of phase three of the programme.

“We are ready to begin with phase three and we hope to meet our target of work opportunities.

“The EPWP remains the key government programme that strives to uplift the socio-economic status of the poor and unemployed.

“It also seeks to provide opportunities for basic training to new job seekers.”