The mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Mzwandile Masina, announced a new Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
According to Themba Gadebe, metro spokesperson, the programme is intended to create sustainable artisanal jobs and phase out dependency on external contractors who undertake the installation, repairs and maintenance of water meters in the City.
He said through a partnership with Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges and the City of Ekurhuleni, beneficiaries will exit the programme as qualified artisans having obtained a trade test certificate and a vocational qualification simultaneously.
“The programme entails a six months theoretical/practical plumbing apprenticeship training at an accredited TVET college integrated with 24 months experiential training within the City of Ekurhuleni Department of Water and Sanitation.
“The City of Ekurhuleni has identified water governance as an immediate remedy to improve water use efficiency, and reduce non-revenue water in the municipality.
“Such water in Ekurhuleni is currently standing at 34,7 per cent and the long-term target is to reduce this figure to 20 per cent by 2023 in line with the City’s water demand management strategy.
Masina, said: “We are continuously investigating ways on how we can exploit the potential of the demographic dividend in our City.
“This initiative is a targeted programme aimed at rebuilding the plumbing skills base for water stewards whilst creating work opportunities for the youth. Such an effort is required in order for the City to decisively deal with metering and the resultant lost revenue for the Municipality.”
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