21 May 2004

The government will ensure that the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is launched in all provinces by the beginning of September, President Thabo Mbeki said on Friday.

The EPWP aims to address the backlog of infrastructure development in the country using labour-intensive methods.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address in Parliament in Cape Town, Mbeki said the programme would concentrate on 21 urban and rural areas identified as needing urgent development.

The areas have already been identified by the government's Urban Renewal and Integrated and Sustainable Rural Development programmes, that seek to develop neglected areas.

Mbeki said a protocol to finance the programmes would be finalised within two months.

The government has already allocated about R20-billion for the programme over the next five years.

The government's Adult Basic Education and Training programme would also be aligned with the training objectives of the EPWP, Mbeki said.

Source: BuaNews

	GOVZA: State of the Nation Address

STATE OF THE NATION 2004 Time to walk the talk: Mbeki SA's progress: the real story SA's economic turnaround: Mbeki Fight poverty: grow the economy Public works for all provinces '53 000 on ARVs by 2005' Govt to improve public safety More support for small farmers Govt to fast-track skills training Housing delivery: more speed SA's role in Africa to continue Govt to set up BEE advisory body Govt to launch Batho Pele portal Mbeki tells people: get involved Imbizo: govt, people interface

10 Years of Freedom: South Africa 1994-2004 Looking back on 10 years of freedom. Looking forward to a future Alive with Possibility.