The cost-cutting measures in the province were not from the National Treasury but from the Provincial Treasury. The Treasury had identified areas where expenses needed to be reduced not only within the public works but in other areas as well. This was in October 2009 and ended on 31 March 2010. It was reported that the instruction was no longer in place. Projects that were supposed to proceed to construction were put on hold and resumed in April 2010. EPWP targets were affected by these developments.