Eastern Cape Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Babalo Madikizela, says his department, working with public bodies, will create more than 90 000 sustainable work opportunities during the upcoming 2022/2023 financial period hrough the expanded public works programme (EPWP).
Madikizela made the remarks while tabling his department’s policy and budget speech at the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature in Bisho, on March 15.
The provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has been allocated a total budget of R2.5 billion for the 2022/2023 financial year commencing on April 1, 2022.
Madikizela said his department has set aside R53 million of its allocated budget to create 4 000 sustainable work opportunities.
“The Expanded Public Works Programme remains one of the key interventions in alleviating poverty through the creation of sustainable work opportunities. By the end of Quarter 3, the province had created 117 633 work opportunities, surpassing the annual target of 95 718.”
“In the coming year, the department will support all public bodies to create no fewer than 97 764 sustainable work opportunities,” Madikizela said.
He further announced an allocation of R269 million on leases for office accommodation for government departments, while also mentioning the need to reduce expenses on office leasing through construction of office precincts.
“Our twin task is to reduce the expense on leases by constructing various office precincts but equally we must ensure that, where we lease, the previously disadvantaged get opportunities.
“When we started the journey back in 2019, black landlords were benefiting with only 33% in the expense lease portfolio.
“I am pleased to report that this has changed. Black landlords are currently benefiting 55% in the portfolio,” he said.
Madikizela also announced that his department would convene the Property Development and Investment Conference on March 31, under the theme, “Developing and financing the Provincial Government’s immovable assets as a vehicle for transformation and revenue generation.”
“This conference will provide an opportunity for property developers to have sight of the 195 government properties which we collated into a bid book.
“It is these properties that will provide leverage for transformation of the property sector and raise the much needed revenue for the province,” he said.
