DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

1
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
Expanded Public Works Programme Capacity
Development
National Approach SATC13 July 2004
2
Agenda

• What is the EPWP
• Focus Labour Intensive Construction
• Overarching Framework
• Transport approach to capacity development
• The role of government and its entities
• Conclusions

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What is the EPWP?

• Governments short-medium term programme for
  alleviating poverty and reducing unemployment
• Intended to provide services (incl.
  Infrastructure), create job opportunities and
  develop skills
• A national programme involving all sectors, all
  government and all SOEs
• Critical element sustainability of skills gained
  beyond the short term job opportunity
• Major emphasis redirection of public funds and
  service delivery towards labour intensive methods

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Focus Labour Intensive Construction

• There are very high levels of unemployment
• Skills levels are very low
• Transport sector delivery capacity is low
• There is a serious backlog of infrastructure
• Infrastructure, particularly roads, is suitable
  for delivery through labour intensive methods
• Good quality infrastructure has been delivered
  before through LIC
• SA has had many LIC initiatives, what was needed
  was an integrated approach to maximise potential

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Overarching Framework

• Increasing labour intensity of service delivery
  through public funds
• Using learnerships as a mechanism for skills
  development
• Formalising training and skills development with
  qualifications through SAQA NQF
• Establishment and development of contractors
• Sustaining capacity created through continuous
  projects and funding, and information platforms
  to promote best practice

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Transport Approach to Capacity Development for EPW

• Collaboration for establishment of National
  Training Centre for Labour Intensive Construction
  Methods
• Registration of learnerships by roads authorities
• Training of contractors, supervisors and
  assistant supervisors
• Training of labour

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National Training Centre for LIC

• Partnership between DPW, DOT, DST, Umsobomvu and
  LITE consulting
• Total estimated cost over 5 years R 197
  million
• Total Expected throughput of trainees 2700
  (contractors, supervisors
• and assistant supervisors)
• NQF levels 2 and 4
• Training for consultants and government
  officials (NQF levels 5 and 7) to
• be provided though other vehicles
• College estimated to provide a quarter of the
  EPWP demand, with the
• private sector filling up the gap
• Location of NTC currently being finalised

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Training of Labour

• Training conducted on site by contractor
• Technical training for infrastructure delivery
• Life skills training in accordance with DOL
  requirements

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Role of Government and SOEs

• Funding allocations for labour intensive
  construction Capex and Opex
• Provide learnership opportunities
• Appropriate sizing of projects to enable
  sufficient participation by contractors and
  labour
• Technical support for emerging contractors
• Assistance with Guarantees and Sureties for
  emerging contractors
• Financial management support for contractors
• Sustaining job opportunities

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Conclusions

• Sector partnerships are critical for successful
  capacity development
• Government commitment will significantly enhance
  the throughput of trainees and ensure their
  exposure to job opportunities
• Funding sustainability remains a critical
  determinant for programme success
• EPWP targets will need close monitoring per annum