The PoEC submitted that the under-expenditure R 609 000 in the first quarter was mainly because of setting up the procedure to pay Expanded Public Works Programme community workers directly, using the South African Post office as a payment agent, as part of community construction projects. It was reported by the PoEC that the main reason for the major deviation in achieving the set targets was the delay in finalising the contractual agreement with payment agent (Post Office) which has the responsibility to manage the EPWP component of Land Care programme in the province. The roll- out procedure involves purchasing of materials and providing training and supervision of communities during the construction of projects (mostly fencing projects) and the Post Office is used as a paying agent. The delay has therefore affected the engagement of casual workers in all activities that requires a labour force, such as reclamation work, construction of gabion structures, and erection of fences.