Overview
The EPWP Maintenance Programme is a sub-programme under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), aimed at absorbing youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Participants are contracted into the programme, where they are fully and actively involved in:
- Physical maintenance
- Repairs
- Site clearance
- Cleaning of schools within targeted Wards in identified municipalities.
Skills Transfer: The programme also offers various skills development opportunities to individual participants.
Key Stakeholders:
- Lead Implementing Agent: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works (the programme’s coordinator and manager).
- Partner Stakeholders:
- Wildlands Conservation Trust
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (major funder)
- KwaZulu-Natal Youth Development
- Municipalities where participating beneficiaries are registered.
Impact and Value:
The programme has a twofold impact:
- Schools’ Premises: The maintenance ensures schools remain clean and safe, creating a ‘danger-free zone’ for students and staff.
- Health and Safety: Schools’ assets are consistently maintained for effective use, reducing health risks and ensuring a safer learning environment.