MINISTER of Local Government Khadijah Ameen publicly confirmed plans to launch a new public works programme but flatly told members of the public not to expect it to be a replica of the Cepep programme, in a statement from her ministry on December 11.

About 11,000 individuals had lost their jobs at the termination of 300 contractors in Cepep (alongside URP firings), even as the government argued it was fighting corruption. One Cepep contractor attempted legal action against the government but failed in court.

On December 11, a seemingly leaked Cabinet note had outlined the government's plans to create a National Programme for the Upkeep of Public Spaces under the ministry.