19 Jan 2015

Government will continue with its efforts of introducing new initiatives aimed towards improving the livelihoods of Batswana.

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama told Kajaja residents that government would do its best to uproot poverty within the communities. He was responding to concerns raised by Kgosi Mothaedi Siana, who said Ngamiland was one area that was hit by poverty.

President Khama said government appreciated challenges faced by the communities; hence government had come up with four interventions in the Okavango District last year in a bid to ensure food security, provision of houses for households without durable shelter and upscale poverty eradication.

The interventions followed the poverty assessment made in the area by a team of experts from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural development, other relevant ministries and the district staff.

The four interventions were provision of emergency food packages to 3 000 households comprising of 15 300 people for 14 months (from February 2014 to March 2015), construction of two-roomed houses for 150 families, increasing the Ipelegeng quota and additional poverty eradication projects. President Khama explained that government was committed to ensuring Batswana had dignified lives.

Earlier on, Kgosi Siana informed the President about challenges faced by the community such as low cultivation of fields due to low rainfall and requested him to increase Ipelegeng quota so that more people could earn a living.

He also complained about lack of electricity in the village and unavailability of offices for kgotla, noting that currently, he was working under a tree and compelled to work from home during the rainy season.

He appreciated that government was still experiencing financial constraints due to economic down turn, but requested the president to assist with caravans. Also, he requested government to upgrade the new school, which accommodates pupils up to standard four.

He said the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi had promised them a fully-fledged school during the 2017/18 financial year, funds permitting. Also, he said Mr Masisi had assured them that they get electricity connection during the 2016/17 financial year.

Kgosi Siana also welcomed developments in Kajaja such as the construction of a primary school and a clinic, noting that the community would now access health and education services easily.  ENDS