The Portfolio Committee on Public Works (National Assembly) having conducted oversight visits to the National Department of Public Works (NDPW) and the Provincial Departments of Public Works, municipalities and local communities between February and September 2005, reports as follows:

The structure of this report is as follows:

Glossary

Foreword

Introduction

Findings

Overview

Oversight visit to Provinces

Recommendations

Conclusion

BEE Black Economic Empowerment

CBPWP Community Based Public Works Programme

CDW Community Development Workers

CIDB Construction Industry Development Board

CETA Construction Education and Training Authority

CTM City of Tshwane Management

CHW Community Health Workers

DM District Municipality

DORA Division of Revenue Act

DPTRW Department of Public Transport, Road and Works

EPWP Expanded Public Works Programme

EXCO Executive Council

ECD Early Childhood Development

HCBC Home Community Base Care

IDP Integrated Development Plans

IDT Independent Development Trust

ILO International Labour Organisation

IMDC Integrated Development Management Committee

ISRDP Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme

KZN Kwazulu-Natal

LED Local Economic Development

MEC Member of Executive Council

MFMA Municipal Financial Management Act

MIG Municipal Infrastructure Grant

MoU Memorandum of Understanding

MPC Multi Purpose Centres

NDPW National Department of Public Works

PEC Provincial Executive Committee

PFMA Public Finance Management Act

PMIS Property Management Information System

PPWD Provincial Public Works Department

PSC Provincial Steering Committee

PTC Provincial Technical Committee

SALGA South African Local Government Association

SAWIC South African Women in Construction

The Portfolio Committee, wishes to extend gratitude to the following:

• The National Department of Public Works, for its cooperation and their responsiveness to constructive criticism from the Portfolio Committee and Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

• The Committee further appreciates the immediate and positive response by the Department to the proposals and recommendations made by the Committee.

• The Committee notes the appointments of the Deputy Directors-General for the EPWP and Asset Management respectively.

• The Committee observes the Leadership Way Initiative introduced by the Department in an attempt to redress administrative shortcomings of the Department during the year under review.

• The Committee further notes the improved financial and accounting systems that were subsequently complimented by an unqualified audit report for 2004/05 financial years.

• The Committee thanks all provincial MECs, Members of the Provincial Legislatures and officials of the departments for their support and cooperation during the hearings.

• The Committee also recognises the cordial reception from the Premiers of Northern Cape and Limpopo provinces respectively as well as mayors of Johannesburg, Durban metropolitan councils and District Mayors of OR Tambo, Chris Hani and Alfred Nzo District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape and Ulundi District Municipality in Kwazulu-Natal.

• The Committee further recognises the frankness and constructive contribution made by representatives of SALGA, mayors, councillors, beneficiaries and communities during the deliberations.

• A tribute to South African Women in Construction (SAWIC) for the seminal role demonstrated in exhorting, mobilising, empowering and effectuated South African women to be part of the challenging and lucrative construction industry through the EPWP.

• The Committee acknowledges with appreciation the support given by the IDT to the Department and communities in the implementation of the EPWP at Hlabisa hospital and Zibambele road construction in Ndwedwe; KZN, and at Dutyini, Mount Ayliff in Eastern Cape and Zivuseni in Gauteng.

• The Committee appreciates the contributions rendered by the Chairperson of the NCOP Select Committee on Public Services during the information sharing in the advancement of the work of the two Committees.

• The Committee during its oversight visit observed with concern that in most provinces the intergovernmental and interdepartmental relations are still a challenge and recommends that Parliament and its committees must intensify the oversight role and promote the understanding, need and the importance of these relations as contained in chapter 3 of the Constitution.

• It is evident that in some provinces the non-availability of public representatives directly and indirectly affects service delivery.

• The visibility of all public representatives at national, provincial and local spheres of government is paramount in making the necessary interventions and assists to disseminate information, monitor and evaluate government programmes.

• The coordination of the departmental programmes (i.e. EPWP) and non cooperation of cluster Departments remains a concern, the Committee recommends that designated officials by the NDPW to regional and local spheres of government must be capacitated and resourced in order to effectively improve the coordination and the implementation of the Programme.

• The Committee further recommends that the regional and provincial coordinators of the EPWP constitute a forum to coordinate and monitor the implantations of the programme thereby strengthening the intergovernmental and interdepartmental relations.

• On assets and asset management the Committee recommends the Property Management Information System (PMIS) being a data capturing and an early warning system developed by the Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape provinces must be considered as a case study by the NDPW.

The report is structured to present a general trend and a consolidated perspective of all provinces rather than province-by-province. In some instances a specific mention of a province is highlighted to emphasise attention and action to be taken.

The Committee as required by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996), must ensure that the Department of Public Works carries out its mandate and responsibilities viz: -

• Policy implementation at all spheres of government.
• Monitor progress on service delivery and meeting of targets by the department as enunciated in the state of the nation address by the State President, the budget speech by Minister of Finance and, the Minister of Public Works’ strategic plan and budget vote speech.
• Strengthening of the intergovernmental and interdepartmental relations.
• Management and maintenance of state assets.
• Monitor the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programes

The main focus of the oversight was on the performance of the department in key areas of its responsibilities as set out hereunder:

• The provision and management of land and accommodation to national departments and public institutions,
• To give strategic leadership to the construction and property industries,
• To co-ordinate and monitor the implementation of the EPWP and,
• Adherence and conformity to the requirements of the Public Finance Management Act of 1999 (PFMA), Division of Revenue Act (DORA) and Municipality Finance Management Act (MFMA).

The period under review is from 31^st January 2005 and 2^nd September 2005.

The Committee visited the following Provinces:

The following delegation visited the province:

Party

Mr. F Bhengu, Chairperson ANC

Mr. L Maduma, Acting Leader of the delegation ANC

Mr. M Magubane ANC

Mr. K Moonsamy ANC

Ms MM Ntuli ANC

Ms NM Mdaka UDM

Mr. S Opperman DA

Areas and organisations visited:

Met with Honourable MEC for Public Works: Mr. S Kwelita.

Met with the Department officials.

Met with Amatola District Municipality and Mayor Mr. S Somyo.

Met with Chris Hani District Municipality and Mayor Mr. M Sigabi.

Visited Alfred Nzo District Municipality and Executive Mayor Mr. GG Mpumza.

Met with Chairperson of SALGA in the Province Mr. S Somyo.

Met with OR Tambo District Municipality and Executive Mayor Ms Z Capa-Langa.

The following delegation visited the province:

Party

Ms CMP Ramotsamai, Leader of the delegation ANC

Mr. HP Maluleka ANC

Mr. NJ Gogotya ANC

Mrs. TLP Nwamitwa-Shilubana ANC

Mr. JPI Blanche DA

Mr. MT Likotsi PAC

Mr. J Leburu Support staff

Mr. S Makeleni Support staff

Areas and organisations visited:

1. Met the Honourable MEC Mr. S Mohai. (The MEC was part of the entourage).
2. Met with officials from the department.
3. Met with Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality and Executive Mayor Mofumahadi Mathokoana Mopedi.
4. Met with the Maluti a Phofung Local Municipality.
5. KM Mankwane Construction Road in Qwaqwa.
6. Hydroponics (Agricultural) project in Qwaqwa.
7. Tswarang Waste Management Project in Qwaqwa.

The following delegation visited the province:

Party

Ms CMP Ramotsamai, Leader of the delegation ANC

Mr. HP Maluleka ANC

Mr. NJ Gogotya ANC

Mr S Siboza ANC

Mrs. TLP Nwamitwa-Shilubana ANC

Mr. JPI Blanche DA

Mr. MT Likotsi PAC

Mr. J Leburu Support staff

Mr. S Makeleni Support staff

Areas and organisations visited:

1. Met with Honourable MEC for Public Transport, Roads and Works: Mr. I Jacobs.
2. Met officials of the Provincial Department of Public Works.
3. Met with Mayor of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council: Mr. A Masondo.
4. Matengteng road and storm water canal project in Stinkwater, Tshwane.
5. Zintombeni Taxi project in Bronkhorspruit.
6. Poortjie Hospice in Region 11 of Johannesburg.
7. Almac MPCC (learnership and skill development project) in Ekurhuleni.
8. Bophelong Skill Resource Centre in Lekoa District.
9. Working for Fire project in Culinan.
10. Working for Water (alien vegetation clearing projects) in Silverton.

The following delegation visited the province:

Party

Mr. F Bhengu, Chairperson ANC

Mr. L Maduma ANC

Mr. M Magubane ANC

Mr. K Moonsamy ANC

Ms MM Ntuli ANC

Mr. S Opperman DA

Ms NM Mdaka UDM

Ms NP Nonkelela Support staff

Ms P Kakaza Support staff

Areas and organisations visited:

1. Met with Honourable MEC for Transport in KZN Mr. H Cele.
2. Met with Honourable MEC for Public Works in KZN Mr. Gwala.
3. Met with officials from the department.
4. Met with Mayor of Durban metropolitan Mr. O Mlaba.
5. Visited King George Hospital project Presidential lead Project launched on 14 February 2004 for the rehabilitation and extension of the Hospital.
6. Met with Deputy Mayor of Mkhanyakude District Municipality: Mr. S Sibanda.
7. Visited Zibambele and Vuk’Uzenzel Road maintenance programme in Ndwedwe.
8. Visited Jozini – SANDF Base.
9. Met with Ulundi Mayor Ms Z Magwaza.
10. Visited Hlabisa Hospital (rehabilitation and extension).
11. Visited State owned properties in Ulundi previously occupied the Departments of Justice and Correctional Services.
12. Met with Amajuba Local Municipality Mayor Mlangeni in New Castle.
13. Beneficiaries of EPWP.

The following delegation visited the province:

Party

Mr. F Bhengu, Chairperson ANC

Mr. NJ Gogotya ANC

Mrs. TLP Nwamitwa-Shilubana ANC

Mr. TG Anthony ANC

Mr. S Siboza ANC

Mr. JPI Blanche DA

Mr. J Leburu Support staff

Mr. S Makeleni Support staff

Areas and organisations visited:

1. Met with the Honourable Premier of Limpopo: Mr. S Moloto.
2. Met with MEC for public Works: Mr. T Mufamadi.
3. Met with Provincial Portfolio Committee.
4. Met with Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality.
5. Visited Mohlaletsi home based care centre.
6. Visited the Gundo Lasho projects.
7. Visited the Tzaneen Municipality.
8. Visited the agricultural project managed by women in Tzaneen.
9. Visited to CHOICE (Organisation that caters for people infected and affected by HI/AIDS) care givers project in Tzaneen.
10. Imbizo in Polokwane (Beneficiaries of EPWP).

Committee Delegation visited the province:

Party

Ms. CMP Ramotsamai, Leader of the delegation ANC

Mr. L Maduma ANC

Mr. NE Magubane ANC

Ms PS Sekgobela ANC

Ms MM Ntuli ANC

Mr. S Opperman DA

Ms NM Mdaka UDM

Mr. M Nguqu Support staff

Areas and organisations visited:

1. Met with Honourable MEC of Public Works in Mpumalanga: Ms C Mashego.
2. Met with officials of the PPWD.
3. Met with Provincial Portfolio Committee.
4. Visited Thembelihle home community based care projects in the Nkomazi area.
5. Visited Mbuzini and Thambokhulu land care projects in Mbombela district municipality.
6. Visited Gutshwakop-Lubisi Road construction learnership and Skills transfer project in Mbombela district municipality.
7. Visited Vukani Sisebente Community project in Mbombela district municipality.
8. Beneficiaries of EPWP.

The following delegation visited the province:

Mr. F Bhengu, Chairperson ANC

Mr. S Siboza ANC

Mr. TG Anthony ANC

Mr. JPI Blanche DA

Mr. MT Likotsi PAC

Mr. J Leburu Support staff

Ms NP Nonkelela Support staff

Areas and organisations visited:

1. The Committee attended a provincial lekgotla hosted by Honourable Premier: Ms D Peters.
2. Met with Honourable MEC for Public Works: Mr. F Wyngaard.
3. Met with the officials from the PPWD.
4. Road paving project – Upington.
5. Road curbing project – Keimoes.
6. Road construction project – Kakamas.
7. Gravel road construction at the Kgalagadi transfrontier Park.
8. Beneficiaries of EPWP.

The following delegation visited the province:

Party

Mr. F Bhengu, Chairperson ANC

Mr. S Siboza ANC

Mr. TG Anthony ANC

Mr. L Maduma ANC

Mr. NE Magubane ANC

Ms PS Sekgobela ANC

Ms MM Ntuli ANC

Ms NM Mdaka UDM

Mr. S Opperman DA

Mr. JPI Blanche DA

Mr. MT Likotsi PAC

Mr. J Leburu Support staff

Ms NN Nonkelela Support staff

Areas and organisations visited:

1. Met with Honourable MEC for Public Works: Mr. H Yawa.
2. Met Members of Provincial Legislature.
3. Met with officials from the Department.
4. Met with Councillors.
5. Visited Modimola road Maintenance project phases one and two.
6. Visited Mmabatho Paving project.
7. Imbizo (Beneficiaries of EPWP).

The following delegation visited the province:

Party

Ms. CMP Ramotsamai, Leader of the delegation ANC

Mr. HP Maluleka, Acting Leader of the delegation ANC

Mr. L Maduma ANC

Mr. NE Magubane ANC

Ms PS Sekgobela ANC

Ms MM Ntuli ANC

Mr. S Opperman DA

Ms NM Mdaka UDM

Ms NP Nonkelela Support staff

Ms N Chaso

Areas and organisations visited

1. Met with Members of Provincial Legislature.
2. Met the DDG EPWP: Mr. B Gxilishe.
3. Met HOD: Mr. A Yasir.
4. Visited Khayelitsha train station.
5. Visited Marrydale primary school.
6. Visited Nonkqubela road construction.
7. Visited Moreson road construction.
8. Visited Droehoewel road construction.
9. Imbizo at Robertson city council (Beneficiaries of EPWP).

1. Mpumalanaga, North West and Western Cape provinces have developed PMIS in an attempt to address the shortcomings within their asset management system.
2. Provincial Departments do not have a consistent and accurate auditing system for both movable and immovable state properties.
3. There is a critical backlog on the maintenance of state properties in the provincial departments.
4. In most provinces the government properties are vacant, not properly maintained, have illegal occupants and are vandalised (i.e. in Kwazulu-natal Jozini army base and government properties in Ulundi).
5. The finalisation of land restitution in Limpopo and other provinces hinders the compilation and finalisation of the asset registers.

• The Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape provinces asset management system initiatives should be taken as a case study to develop a holistic, accurate and reliable asset management system by the national and provincial departments.

• Audit of all state properties utilised, under-utilised and unutilised including all military bases must be completed and an interim report be tabled to Parliament before the end of the first quarter of 2006/2007 financial year. The Committee is conscious and not undermining the fact that the Departments of Public Works and Land Affairs are conducting a vetting process. The Committee recommends that a uniform and centralised PMIS must be developed to address this anomaly.

• An investigation and appropriate legal action should be instituted against all tenants who are unable to produce title deeds, certificate of occupation or lease agreement on demand.

• Services in vacant government properties that are unoccupied and those occupied by illegal occupants must be terminated.

• Lease and service agreements must be honoured by client departments and public institutions and defaulters be penalised.

• A mechanism must be developed to cause individuals who are occupying properties belonging to the state, knowing and unknowingly to declare their occupation in order to qualify for indemnity and failure to disclose be punishable by law.

• Cognisant of the fact that land restitution is still an ongoing process the finalisation of the asset register is dependent on the completion of the process.

• There must be uniformity on the disposal of state assets in all spheres of government.

• The NDPW must, in consultation with all other Departments in all spheres of government, develop a uniform disposal policy of all state assets.

• Any disposal of government property, whether be at a national, provincial or local level of government, must be by agreement of all role players.

• The PDPW must have a disposal strategy for old and depreciated movable properties (i.e. plants and machinery). When auctioning takes place preference must be given to learner and emerging contractors.

• The Committee recommends that the maintenance and renovation of state properties must fall directly under the EPWP to ensure that emerging contractors and contractors in the Incubator programme are given preference.

• Eastern Cape Province launched the EPWP on the 3 September 2004, (Infrastructure Sector)
• Free State Province launched the EPWP on the 28 September 2004, (Environment Sector).
• Gauteng Province launched the EPWP on the 31 August 2004, (Infrastructure Sector)
• Kwazulu-Natal EPWP launched the EPWP on the 28 August 2004, (Environment Sector)
• Limpopo Province launched the EPWP on the 1 April 2005, (Infrastructure Sector).
• Mpumalanga Province launched the EPWP on the 30 August 2004, (Economic/Agriculture Sector)
• Northern Cape Province launched the EPWP on the 27 August 2004, (Infrastructure).
• North West Province launched the EPWP on the 16 September 2004, (Infrastructure)
• Western Cape Province launched the EPWP on the 1 April 2005, (Infrastructure/ Building maintenance).

The EPWP is driven by four Clusters viz:

• Infrastructure;
• Social;
• Environmental & cultural;
• Economic.

The coordination and performance of the clusters varies from one province to another.

The infrastructure cluster is leading in all provinces in terms of performance.

• In Alfred Nzo District Municipality, the Rural Housing project, which manufactures bricks, has employed women and youth with the exception of people with disability.
• In OR Tambo District Municipality, infrastructure projects (i.e. Vukuzakhe project a rural housing and agricultural project which benefited 30 000 households) were not integrated into EPWP.
• In Chris Hani District Municipality, women in construction stated that they were harassed and discriminated against in the industry and at the construction sites.
• General complaints were levelled against the conduct and behaviour of government officials, which does not conform to Batho Pele.
• Late payments were cited by emerging contractors as a general phenomenon.

B Free State-

Women and youth with the exclusion of People with disabilities were involved

in the construction of Mankwe road in Qwaqwa.

C Gauteng

• Tshwane- Stinkwater road construction in Hammanskraal was badly constructed due to non-adherence to specifications by consultants.
• The Almac local municipality in collaboration with the Infrastructure Cluster adopted and supported the multi-purpose centre situated in Almac (i.e. training of carpenters, welding, baking).
• In Bara Taxi and bus terminal, the Committee was briefed on the rehabilitation, upgrading and renovation of the terminals.
• The Zithombeni Taxi project in Bronkhorsrpuit needs to be constructed with water drainage system.

• The Zibambele and Vuk’uzenzel road project are labour intensive (road construction and maintaining projects) that created job opportunities for communities in Ndwedwe.
• The Zibambele road project deliberately targeted and employed female-headed households.
• Other labour intensive projects benefited learners and emerging contractors and communities on the upgrading of King George Hospital and Hlabisa Hospital, (Hlabisa hospital is a Presidential lead project).

• The Committee is concern that the Gundolasho road construction was constructed without curbing and this could lead to erosion.
• The Committee is concerned that most provinces have not budgeted for road maintenance.
• Across provinces a concern has been raised by emerging contractors regarding fronting and irregularities on the tendering processes, which also implicate government officials and that no decisive pre-emptive measures were in place.

• The Gutshwakop-Luphisi learnership programme imparted skills to learners on re-graveling, compacting, filling and drainage of a 300-kilometre road in Mbombela local municipality.
• Vukasisebente community project in Mbombela local municipality caters for packaging facility of beverages and bakery, which imparts financial and management skills to beneficiaries.

• Upington road making and road paving.
• Keimoes road curbing.
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier rehabilitation and road construction project,
• All three projects had a reasonable involvement of Women and youth but the Committee is concerned about the lack of people with disabilities.
• The Councillors in Kakamas were not actively involved or unaware of the road construction projects that were taking place within their own constituencies.
• The Committee observed that in most labour intensive projects, workers are not adhering to occupational health and safety standards.

H North West –

• Mmabatho CBD road paving projects (owned and driven by youth) must be promoted in other provinces.
• The Modimola integrated flagship project driven by the Departments of Agriculture, Water affairs and Public Works, has not been properly managed.

I Western Cape-

• The Saamstaan is a broad programme that includes road constructions (Nonkqubela, Moreson and Droehoewel roads), renovations and maintenance of schools (Merrydale School) in Robertson.
• The Klipfontein Corridor project encompasses the EPWP guidelines, which benefited 22 learner contractors in the Incubator Programme.
• The Committee did not complete its visit and it will revisit the province during the course of 2006/2007 financial year.

• Late payments to emerging contractors must be avoided by paying them according to the schedule of the projects.

• The NDPW should look at the Regulations of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act and consider which amendments could be effected to strengthen this Act.

• The Committee recommends that the co-ordination and co-operation between NDPW and other departments at all spheres of government must adhere to contractual agreements entered into and payment must be made within prescribed period.

• The Committee notes that the department is investigating fronting and therefore an interim report should be tabled in Parliament on all acts of fronting that have been investigated and corrective measures taken, on or before the first quarter of 2006/2007 financial year.

• The department must assign dedicated inspectors to monitor and investigate fraudulent claims committed and shoddy work done by contractors and appropriate legal action be taken against perpetrators inclusive of blacklisting.

• Whilst the Committee appreciates the progress made by the office of the MEC and the Department of Public Works in the Eastern Cape in addressing the discrimination against women, it is incumbent on all departments in all spheres of government to act against the violation of women’s rights at workplace.

• Occupational health standards are not maintained and adhered to at EPWP projects i.e Kgalagadi Transfrontier road and Chris Hani district municipality. The Committee recommends that the PPWD should continuously educate contractor workers about the importance of adhering to the occupational health safety standards.

• The NDPW must ensure that the Department of Labour assigns inspectors to enforce safety standards regulations.

• The Department of Labour should ensure that protective clothing is supplied to potentially hazardous projects.

• The Committee recommends that provinces must budget for maintenance of completed projects (i.e.Gundolashu road project).

• The mismanagement of Modimola Integrated flagship project must be investigated and a report must be tabled in Parliament before the end of the first quarter of 2006/2007 financial year.

• Consultants have committed to rectify the irregularities on the construction of the Stinkwater road in Tshwane and to comply with Council decision. The Committee recommends that a report be tabled in Parliament on this before the end of the first quarter of 2006/2007 financial year.

• The Committee is concerned about youth of school going age working at the EPWP projects. The NDPW in collaboration with the Department of Education must investigate the socio-economic circumstances contributing to this and make necessary interventions i.e. in Kgalagadi Transfrontier road project and other projects in Upington.

• CHOICE, an established organisation in Tzaneen supported by the NDPW focusing on learnership and skills transfer to communities and home based caregivers of people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS.

• It was reported that the University of Southern Africa would train the CDW and HCBC volunteers.

• Training of Home Community Based Care-givers (HCBC), Early Childhood Development Educators (EDC) and Community Health Workers (CHW) is an ongoing process.

• The Committee appreciates the collaboration between the Infrastructure and Social clusters in the establishment of the HIV/AIDS hospice in Poortjie.

• The Youth of Christ in collaboration with the Social Cluster established HIV/AIDS Hospice at Poortjie.

• The Infrastructure and Social clusters’ collaboration in support of the municipality of Thabong in the HIV/AIDS awareness project is commendable.

• The establishment of Thembelihle Home Community Based Care Project (vegetable garden) in Mbombela has provided employment and skills to 300 caregivers volunteers for/to people with HIV/AIDS.

• The Departments Public Works, Agriculture and Forestry must assist the communities in Limpopo and other provinces in fast tracking and developing community gardens as part of the EPWP.
• The Committee recommends that the PPWD should in consultation with Departments of Social Development and Health establish and or strengthen social cluster for the realisation of the objectives of the EPWP.

The Committee commends the support the NDPW has given to the Working for Fire in Culinan and Working for Water and clearing of alien vegetation in Silverton.

Disaster management must be devolved to municipalities to form part of job creation for the local community within the EPWP Guidelines.

• In Limpopo the Agriculture project in Tzaneen spearheaded by women has benefited the local community with employment and skills.
• In Free State the Hydroponics project in Qwaqwa should have benefited all involved with life skills and employment and therefore the NDPW should monitor its progress.
• Provinces in general are still at the planning stage of implementing the EPWP in the Economic Sector.

• The Incubator programme is inconsistent from province to province and the coordination and monitoring of the programme by the department is crucial in achieving the intended results.
• Collateral required by financial institutions from the emerging contractors is a concern from most provinces and the NDPW must make necessary interventions.
• The NDPW, Private sector and Institutions of higher learning must establish a joint venture whereby Built Environment graduates are placed on internships.

• The NDPW in cooperation with PPWD in the Eastern Cape must ensure that the CIDB implements the Incubator Programme and further consider the reviewal of the programme.

• The Committee commends the progress made on the learnership and skills transfer under the Incubator programme. The Provincial Public Works Departments must from time to time consolidate, synchronise and update the data of all beneficiaries of the EPWP.
• The short-term employment and the lack of sustainability of jobs created through the EPWP is viewed as constraint and a shortcoming. The Committee recommends the reviewal of the EPWP to accommodate long-term job opportunities.

• The Committee recognises the short period that emerging contractors spent on the Incubator programme. The NDPW should develop supporting mechanisms that would ensure sustainability of those contractors through NEPAD initiatives as they exit the programme.

• The NDPW, PPWD and SALGA must assist, train and support the councillors in order to effectively fast track government programmes and meet set targets.
• Most municipalities were not sufficiently trained and briefed on the principles and guidelines of the EPWP and those that do, are inconsistent in the implementation thereof.
• The NDPW in consultation with DPLG should assist municipalities with the integration of MIG in the IDPs within the EPWP.
• The weaknesses observed in the local municipalities are unabated; the Committee recommends that the important complementary role played by the CDW must be clearly defined to avert unnecessary tensions at that tier of government.
• The under-utilisation and depreciation of the Multi Purpose Community Centres (MPC) at most municipalities is common. The municipalities should budget for the maintenance of the MPC.

Matters and concerns raised at the Imbizos

• Lack of budgeting for maintenance of EPWP infrastructure projects.
• That the involvement of the youth and people with disability in the

construction industry is minimal

• Unprofessional, poor dissemination of information and service rendered

by the department officials is unacceptable.

• The EPWP guidelines and information booklets are viewed as not assisting and not user friendly.
• Complicated and laborious tender documents were not user friendly.
• Fronting and alleged involvement of officials and councillors in irregular tendering processes.
• EPWP Guidelines are restrictive regarding overtime and medical health benefits that should accrue to workers.
• The EPWP does not provide sustainable employment.
• There is lack of clarity and envisaged support for emerging and learner contractors when emerging from the programme.

6. NEPAD PROGRAMMES

The Committee recommends that the National Department of Public Works should develop a clear policy that defines its role in NEPAD.

7. Conclusions

• Immediate attention as recommended by the Committee in addressing the fronting and irregularities in the tendering process must be considered.

• The Committee notes that all provinces are striving to implement the EPWP by putting more emphasis on learnership and Skills transfers through CETA.

• The Committee further notes the commitment, enthusiasm and benefits received by beneficiaries of this programme.

• The Committee commends the training received and quality of work done by beneficiaries in various provinces despite logistical and teething problems experienced.

• The Committee observed that some communities are continuing to benefit from the EPWP objectives by establishment of own businesses i.e. job creation and poverty alleviation.

• The NDPW must give effect to the involvement of women, youth and people with disabilities in the EPWP as emphasised by the Committee.

• The municipalities must take control, full ownership and responsibility of maintaining the multi-purpose centres.

• The Committee urges and encourages departments and municipalities at local levels to optimise the utilisation of the multi-purpose centres.

• The Tugela dam as a resource could benefit the communities with water provision as immediate necessity and the creation of jobs for the construction of the water infrastructure.

• In the Northern Cape Province coordination of the programme is in the office of the Premier, which is commendable.

• Due to the vastness of the Northern Cape province, the provincial officials travel long distances from one region to another. To save on travelling expenses, the Committee recommends that the existing regional offices be resourced and sub regional offices be established where they do not exist.

• As part of the EPWP the Departments of Public Works, Land and Agriculture, Forestry and Water Affairs and Provincial and Local Government in establishing agricultural projects to benefit the communities is encouraged.

• Those departments that are not within the EPWP clusters must identify and commit programmes that will compliment the EPWP.

• In the Free State Province the Provincial Steering Committee (PSC) has been established to coordinate the implementation of EPWP and that the EXCO takes the total responsibility of the implementation of the programme.

• It is with appreciation that the empowerment of women is taking place i.e. one woman with no formal education in Mpumalanga supported by her child underwent the learnership programme of the EPWP and graduated. She has established her own construction company that provided job opportunities for her community.

The Committee commends the Mpumalanga province for data capturing of all contractors and subcontractors as a best practice in the monitoring and exposing corrupt tendencies where some beneficiaries who were tenderers are repeatedly awarded tenders at the exclusion of new applicants.