By Amy Musgrave
There are several concerns regarding the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), including political patronage, corruption and limited skills gained from the programme.
Earlier this week, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, who is on a nationwide listening tour on the EPWP, said it had been tainted by allegations of sex for work and nepotism.
Another concern is funding for the programme.
The minster has told the portfolio committee on public works and infrastructure that the department intended to lobby hard for funding to retain the EPWP.
He said the department was looking at leveraging budgeted money with the private sector to increase the EPWP’s value.
The EPWP has suffered a R700 million budget cut in recent years, which has adversely affected deliverables.
In response, committee chairperson Carol Phiri said: “We are committed to working with the (department) to ensure that the EPWP is properly funded and
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