The Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality has extended the contracts of more than 2 000 residents who work under government’s flagship job creation project, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), whose main objective is to maintain and improve public infrastructure in the area.

However, the QwaQwa based municipality’s mayor, Vusi Tshabalala, who promised to ensure that there will be better working conditions in the EPWP projects, has warned employees working in the project that there will be strict conditions attached to the extended contracts to ensure the municipality gets value for money.

They include adherence to working hours, high levels of performance and adherence to agreed deadlines for completion of projects.

The EPWP is one of the key components of the government’s drive to alleviate poverty and unemployment in South Africa. Launched in March 2004, the programme is implemented through existing government structures and budgets, with the department of public works as overall co-ordinator.

EPWP provides short-term and long-term work opportunities and training to unemployed and unskilled individuals. Training is a key element not only as an exit strategy but also to increase the future employability of participants. The first phase of EPWP programme achieved its target of creating one million work opportunities a year ahead of schedule. The second phase of the programme aims to create about four million job opportunities by 2014.

About 2030 residents in Maluti-a-Phofung are employed in EPWP projects. The group is made of 50 people representing all the 35 wards that fall under the municipality’s jurisdiction.

They are paid a monthly stipend of R705 to clean municipal public facilities such as streets, graveyards and offices as well as halls.

Tshabalala said the contracts were extended to ensure that the poor in the municipality are not left high and dry.

“After looking at the plight of our people, a majority of whom are poor and are depended on government for assistance, we decided as the municipality to extend their contracts which were supposed to end this month with an additional five months.

“This came after we checked that our budget and realised there are still funds to sustain the project. After five months, we would have come up with the solution together with the provincial department of public works to ensure that people sign new contracts,” said Tshabalala.

He said the employees will earn the same salary with better working conditions which including the provision of protecting clothing.

“EPWP employees will be given protective clothes and boots as well as working equipment such as wheelbarrows and spades. We will ensure that vehicles are always available at their disposal when they need to dispose the rubbish they have collected during the cleaning of our streets,” added Tshabalala.

He warned employees in the programme that the municipality expects from them nothing but 100 percent commitment to their work.

“The municipality is expecting you to do your part and comply with the requirement of your contracts by arriving to work and knocking off on time. From Monday, I will work with you on our streets to ensure everybody is accountable.”

EPWP employees, most of whom are breadwinners, are elated with the municipality’s decision. One of EPWP employees, Dimakatso Mofokeng, hailed Tshabalala’s announcement as a huge relief.

“I was already worried about what I am going to do after month end when my contract terminate especially when it comes to my children who depend on me to put food on their table. I am happy with this five month extension, “said Mofokeng.