06 Jul 2014

The Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri says it is not totally correct to allege that the take-off of Poverty Eradication Programme has been very slow in Kanye South constituency since it started and it is now grinding to a halt.

Responding to a question in Parliament on Thursday July 3, Mr Matlhabaphiri said in this connection, there is a noticeable progress in the completion of poverty eradication projects in Kanye South constituency.

He said a total of 105 projects (43 backyard gardens and 62 alternative packages) have been funded, out of which 56 are operational. He said out of the 56 of the projects, 19 are success stories. Mr Matlhabaphiri said out of the remaining 49 non-operational, 32 alternative packages projects will have their final equipment delivered by end of first week of July.

He said eight projects have stalled due to mismanagement of founds by beneficiaries while eight backyard are non-operational due to water issues while one is due to a beneficiary’s ill health.

Mr Matlhabaphiri said as a way of ensuring quick projects delivery, a waiver of procurement procedures has been granted, such as the use of individual projects, in accordance with the LAPAD Act of 2008.

He said kiosks were phased out in areas where they were found to be congested, otherwise they continue to be accorded beneficiaries on a case by case basis, and that beneficiaries were consulted and advised to change to other projects. He further said an amount of P2 023 618 has been utilised in training beneficiaries and procurement of equipment/material for projects.

Mr Matlhabaphiri was responding to a question from MP for Kanye South, Mr Abram Kesupile, who had asked the minister if he is aware that the take-off of Poverty Eradication projects has been slow in the constituency since it started and is now grinding to a halt and if so, what the minister will do to inject a high pace in the distribution and setting up of projects.

Mr Kesupile also asked the minister why kiosks were taken off the list and what advice is given to those who preferred them. He also wanted the minister to state the amount already spent from the P2 million allocated for the Kanye South Constituency and what the money was used for. ENDS