eThekwini metro says budget cuts led to EPWP workers' contracts not being renewed

DURBAN - The eThekwini Metro has blamed budget cuts for the reduction of public works programme employees in the city.
 
EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) workers linked to the Durban Solid Waste unit were recently informed that their contracts would not be renewed.
 
This led to disgruntled workers staging an unlawful protest that caused chaos in the city centre and nearby towns. 
 
"For the financial year, the municipality will receive an R18.79 million incentive grant from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, a reduction of R42 million from the previous year," said municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana.
 
Sisilana says almost 3,000 workers will be affected.
 
"The budget reduction has significantly affected the municipality’s ability to retain the majority of EPWP beneficiaries. As a result, the number of EPWP participants will decrease from 4,55 to 1 276. This unfortunate development is beyond the municipality’s control."
 
EWN understands Mayor Cyril Xaba will meet with National Treasury to discuss the matter.