The IFP is concerned about the failure of some municipalities in the Western Cape in managing the Expanded Public Works Programme.

IFP Spokesperson on Public Works, Mr Petros Sithole MP said, "During oversight visits by the parliamentary committee on Public Works in the Western Cape, we noticed that many municipalities are failing to manage the EPWP. Local municipalities in George and Worcester are the most affected, despite receiving R1 million in funds from the national department."

Some of the workers employed through the EPWP alleged that they were employed on the same day as the oversight visit.

"The workers claim that they were given uniforms on the morning of the visit. The quality of work that they produce is very poor because they are not adequately trained to carry out the work they are assigned. There is a major breakdown in communication between provinces, municipalities and the national department on how the EPWP are to be implemented in municipalities," concluded Sithole.

The Expanded Public Works Programme is a disaster and there is a need to either drastically improve its implementation or replace it with something more effective.

Issued by:

IFP Spokesperson on Public Works, Mr Petros Sithole, MP, 082 743 1348

Or contact

IFP Parliamentary Media Liaison Officer, Mr Phendulani Biyase, 073 24 5675