EPWP Phase 3 to create more jobs

Phase 3 of Government’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is expected to contribute to 704 981 job opportunities in the province, a contribution of nearly 11% to the National Development Plan.
Premier Stan Mathabatha announced these prospects at the launch of the programme on Tuesday at Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture in Sekhukhune.
In his keynote address Mathabatha is quoted to have said that Phase 3 of the EPWP is part of Government’s multi-faceted approach of dealing with the inherited problems of inequality, lack of jobs and poverty.
“Our commitment as government is to employ local people who will, apart from taking something home in the form of a salary, also benefit from skills transfer. We can therefore say with absolute certainty that the people of this area stand to benefit directly from this third phase of EPWP programme,” Mathabatha said.
He reportedly added that the programme was therefore in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan namely to provide work opportunities and income support to poor and unemployed people through the labour-intensive delivery of public and community assets and services, thereby contributing to development.
“At national level, the EPWP Phase 3 targets to create 6,38 million work opportunities which would be equivalent to 2,56 million full-time equivalent jobs in a period of five years. Of these jobs, as Limpopo we are expected to contribute 704 981 job opportunities or nearly 11%,” Mathabatha added. The EPWP creates work opportunities in four sectors namely, Infrastructure, non-state, environment and culture.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert@mailbox.co.za