Furthermore, the Committee was interested in the expenditure of what had already been allocated to the provinces. It noted that, before questions could be raised about the shrinking budgets, due regard needed to be given to existing expenditure patterns by the provinces and whether they warranted increased budgets. It was reported that the Ethekwini Municipality spent approximately R100 million on the EPWP while low-capacity municipalities were spending far less. A question was raised on how different municipalities were dealt with and whether there was a one-size-fits-all approach in terms of expected expenditure outcomes. Attention needed to be paid to the Msunduzi Municipality which was the seat of provincial government. The Committee was concerned about the use of the term "voluntary" in referring to the programme. In its view, this meant that municipalities could use their discretion and participate in EPWP activities only if they wanted to. It was the Committee's considered view that all municipalities should be participating in rolling out the EPWP.