13 Jan 2015

The youth in Gerald Estates have raised concerns about poor service delivery. They raised the concerns during a kgotla meeting addressed by Francistown Member of Parliament (MP) Mr Ignatius Moswaane on Monday, January 12.

They told the MP that they were not happy with the service the get in various government departments, hence turning to Ipelegeng projects for employment. One of the youth, Ms Mosetsana Nkarabang said due to the high cost of living, she cannot fold her hands and do nothing, so she joined Ipelegeng to put food on the table.

Ms Nkarabang urged the MP to raise his voice in order for them to benefit from youth programmes instead of working at Ipelegeng because it is a short term job.

One resident, Ms Gaoleboge Lebogang of Moselewapula ward also raised a concern about poverty eradication laundry machines that are lying in her home and have turned into white elephants. 

She mentioned that after they trained in a three day course last year, she was provided with laundry machines, which she is not benefiting from them.  In his welcoming remarks, Gerald Estate Customary Court President Kgosi Paul Motshwane requested an administration office and a shelter.

He said they planned to be built in 2011, but unfortunately were shelved due to the economic recession.  Kgosi Motshwane also requested for a police station together with staff houses, adding that Gerald Estate is assisting large area which included places such as Tati-Siding and Shashe Mooke.

Responding to some of the poverty eradication issues, Francistown City Council (FCC) Clerk Mr Lebuile Israel said they have decided to have a service centre in the area to try and speed up the queries from the clients.

He agreed that the issue of assessment has been delayed by the absenteeism of the beneficiaries at their homesteads. Mr Israel further said out of 1 500 people, they have managed to assist 800 people under the poverty eradication initiative .

He said they have established plots in Maipaafela to make gardens and place people there to help eradicate poverty. For his part, MP Moswaane urged all to stand up and fight poverty by utilizing government programmes.

Mr Moswaane said the country does not have money and urged the residents to bring developments to Francistown. He also urged the residents of Gerald Estates to pay service levy because it is very vital to bringing developments to the community.

Mr Moswaane encouraged the residents to form metshelo (micro savings) so that they raise money to be able to pay the levy. He also appreciated all who voted for him in last year`s general elections.  ENDS