Subcouncil resolution details

Subcouncil 14

Agenda item no

14SUB 7/1/2021

Subject

EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME(EPWP): MONTHLY JOBSEEKER REPORT FOR SUBCOUNCIL 14 FOR DECEMBER 2020.

Meeting date

Monday, January 18, 2021

Resolution

Noted

Date closed

Monday, February 08, 2021

Resolution detail

Mr. Daniels said that the report for Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) for December 2020 is for noting. The report provides an analysis of jobseekers from Subcouncil 14, breaking down the number of jobseekers per ward also indicating a number of those with invalid addresses.

Cllr. Bonita said that based on the report provided she sees that there are 290 people with invalid addresses which is a huge concern, she added that another challenge is of incorrect contact details.

Cllr Ngxumza said he is not contesting the numbers but indicated that last year in ward 42 there were number of people working residing outside the area when trying to enquire to the person they are reporting to there was no response. He urged for this to be investigated because if it persists it will create a lot of challenges. He suggested for a meeting with the Expanded Public Works department to find out how they are employing people.

Mr. Daniels requested for clarity on Cllr Ngxumza’s request.

Cllr Ngxumza requested for the relevant department to make an improvement in the employment process of EPWP’s, he urged that the department have a constant communication with the Subcouncil office.

Mr. Daniels agreed with the Cllr Ngxumza but indicated that the problem is with the line department appointing the service providers to do appointments as they do not communicate. He indicated that the system that is used is linking people to wrong addresses. He indicated the Subcouncil can make a request for deleting the wrong addresses or removing them, but it needs permission. The randomization process is another challenge as it does not always give the departments what they want, more often the departments use the deviation reports to get what they want. He urged for the Subcouncil to be informed for new projects.

The Chairperson said that the randomization process is a challenge that they have complained about as it was taken from the Subcouncil to the Directors office, from there to the Mayco Members office to where it is now. In ward 42 the line department had names without informing the Subcouncil and the councilors that resulted into conflict between the community and the contractor, community members also loose trust from the Subcouncil when such things happen. In most cases the community members fight over people who are employed but staying outside their area, people who have benefited in projects more than once.

The chairperson said that the line department should inform the Subcouncil and the Cllrs of any projects that will be employing people. She urged for the Subcouncil not to be silent about this matter as it has been persistent over the years. She further added that the Mayco Members office welcomes EPWP employment complaints and can assist the Subcouncil in finding solutions.

The chairperson requested if the Mr. Mbandezi for the vandalism presentation was still at the office to present.

Cllr Yozi indicated that Mr. Mbandezi left and requested to present his item in the next Special Subcouncil meeting.

The chairperson requested for the presentation to be sent to all Cllrs on WhatsApp so that they can see, she further said that in a normal Subcouncil meeting there must be not more than one presentation entertained to avoid delaying the Subcouncil. She said if a presentation is related to a particular ward there should be a discussion with the her, the manager, and the ward councilor to avoid delaying other people.

The chairperson identified the challenge of signing of control documents, she indicated she has been busy assisting with signing of control documents when Cllr’s were on leave. She therefore appealed that they all make digital signature, she said she is available if they need assistance on training. She also urged the Cllrs to improve their communication or relations with officials as teamwork is significant to ensure project implementation. She said that it is now time to proceed with the projects that are implementable, she indicated that the manager would send them the template. However, she encouraged them to be creative and look how they can proceed with projects under the current lockdown level to ensure the money is spent before the financial year end she made an example of buying gifts, and food parcels for senior citizen’s events.

The chairperson also highlighted that they need to avail themselves for meetings and respond on emails and communication shared through WhatsApp.

Cllr Yozi said raised a concern of a community member who wanted to find out if it was possible for the Subcouncil to provide links for the public to join SKYPE meetings as the Subcouncil is open for public.

The chairperson said that she does not have the full authority to decide on that as Subcouncil meeting are statutory meetings. She added that they have always been asking for meetings to be in other virtual platforms but there has been no luck. Guidance is needed from the COCT for that decision.

RESOLVED

That the Report BE NOTED with the comments made by the Cllrs.