Hon Speaker, the ANC welcomes the launch of the Expanded Public Works Programme in the Matatiele Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape recently by Public Works Minister Thembelani Thulas Nxesi and Transport, Roads and Public Works MEC Thandiswa Marawu. The main aim of the Expanded Public Works Programme is to provide jobs to unemployed people while they also gain skills, thus increasing their chances to earn an income after their contracts have expired. Standing to benefit from the project are 182 unemployed residents whose employment contracts will last for the next 12 months.
This project in Matatiele will not only focus on improving and strengthening the local municipality's commitment to cleanliness and greening initiatives, but it will also serve to promote community awareness and participation in waste management. This programme is informed by the ANC's commitment to steping up a massive programme on expanded public works linked to infrastructure and meeting social needs with home-based care, crches, school cleaning and renovation, community gardens, removal of alien vegetation, tree planting and school feeding. I thank you. [Applause.]