Infrastructure
(1) Whether construction companies contracted by the Western Cape Government and/or municipalities on human-settlements development projects are allowed to employ staff on EPWP contracts; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) what laws and statutes allow and/or prevent this kind of practice;
(2) whether there have been any complaints submitted to his Department regarding the practice of contractors working on human-settlements development projects that are employing staff on EPWP contracts; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether he will investigate reports that companies working on human-settlements development projects employ staff on EPWP contracts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
[1] Yes
[a] Construction companies contracted by the Western Cape Government and /or municipalities are allowed to employ staff on EPWP contracts based on the degree of labour intensity of the projects. All Public Infrastructure Delivery projects are implemented in terms of the Expanded Public Works Programme [EPWP], a broad government strategy for addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
[b] The following empowering provisions apply:
- Government Gazette, 25 January 2002 issued by the Department of Labour; Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 – Code of Good Practice for employment and conditions of work for Special Public Works Programmes
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act 1997, Ministerial Determination 4: Expanded Public Works Programme
[2] No
[3] No. Companies working on human settlement development projects are allowed to employ staff on EPWP contracts as provided for by the above empowering provisions.
